Exterior:

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Year 2,537

Noon

Interior:

Dirty apartment, dirty clothes, empty food containers and other things strewn everywhere

A slovenly, overweight, and balding man is sleeping on his couch with the TV on in the background.

The News comes on and a female news anchor begins to speak,

"The reports of an extremely large asteroid making it's way through our region of the solar system have been officially confirmed. We go to field reporter, Aubrey Summers, for the latest on the story."

The sound of the anchor's voice wakes the man up. His dim, crusted eyes open and look at the screen. A young woman shows up on the screen with the city observatory in the background.

"Thanks Rachel. It was first spotted 3 weeks ago by amateur, university star gazers. Ever since, it has been monitored by professionals. A number of very strange things have been noticed about this object such as how is seems to have gotten larger in such a short time and how it has very slightly changed course a couple of times in the past few weeks. It's exact course has not been determined as of yet but top astronomers say that with it's current trajectory, the worst could be possible..."

The man had changed the channel and began to mumble to himself in a gruff voice,

"Ain't nothin comin here. Buncha nuts."

After stopping his channel surf on a sitcom, the man began to doze off again. All of the sudden the building had started shaking as if it were in an earthquake. The man gripped the couch with a startled expression. After the shaking stopped, he hobbled over to the window and looked to the sky. A large spacecraft had flown over the building at high speed and shook the very foundation. The man leaned out of his window and looked angrily at the craft as it ascended into the sky and out of view, flipping it off and cursing loudly, followed by the words

"DAMN PIGS! WATCH WHERE THE HELL YOUR FLYIN!"

Inside of the ship, there were five people in the control room. The young captain started to scold the pilot,

Captain Troy Palmer: How many times have I told you not to fly so low over residential areas?!

Pilot Lisa Harding: I"m so sorry captain! I Had just picked up too much speed and I couldn't control it for a second, and...

Captain: That's enough. Let me finish briefing you all before we get to our destination. The reason we were all rushed out here so quickly is because that asteroid everyone has been going on about has suddenly picked up and enormous amount of speed. And it is currently on a course to the Earth. Chances of impact are extremely high with these circumstances. With it's current rate of speed, it would collide with the Earth's projected orbital path in less than a month.

Cadet Rajeev Lekhram: So, like, how big is this thing anyway cap? ?

Captain: Try almost as big as the Earth. And I told you, refer to me as Captain or Sir.

Cadet: "Right-o Captain Cap, sir."

Corporal Sean Anderson: "Wait, sir. The Earth? How can something like that be called an asteroid? How can something like that move in the first place?"

Captain: "We just use that term so as not to make people worry. And I'm not sure. We can find that out later."

Cadet: "True. Telling people that a teeny asteroid is comin is a lot less scary than sayin a friggin planet is gonna squash us all, hehe."

Captain: "Quiet you. So we have been assigned the duty of manually shifting it's course."

Pilot: "That sounds like a tall order for one ship."

Lt. Steven Heiwajima: "Not to worry. With this particular vessel, this mission won't be too taxing. And in the unlikely event that we fail in shifting it's course, we should have enough fire power to reduce it minor debris. Easy as pie."

Captain: "Alright, that's enough gab. Harding! You have the coordinates. Put us into warp drive."

Pilot: "Yes sir!"

There was a flash of light and the ship was gone.

Just outside of the solar system

There was a streak of light and the ship in it's entirety had appeared. The asteroid was visible in the distance.

Palmer: "Now, let's approach slowly. Lock us into place and then activate the repulsion field."

All: "Sir."

The ship approached the asteroid and it's boosters fired to hold it in place. A large purple field then began to form around the ship and then expand. It grew at great speed until it was roughly three times the size of the moon and pushed against the asteroid.

Anderson: "The field is at full power and is stable sir."

Palmer: "Good. Now this thing should begin to move any moment now..."

Heiwajima: "Captain! We seem to be getting some sort of resistance. It's, it's not moving. I think it's actually pushing us back!"

Palmer: "What the hell? How is that possible? Damn it. Then deploy the gravitation core. We'll get at it from both sides!"

A panel opened and a large round object shot out of the of the ship and speed around to the opposite end of the asteroid. It emitted a powerful gravitational pull. The asteroid was caught between the ship and the core and was being pulled and pushed in the same direction simultaneously.

Harding: "It's working! The asteroid is moving. Keeping us stable..."

The ship began to shake violently

Anderson: The asteroid! I-It pushed it's way out!

Palmer: How is that... Well damn it all! Looks like it's time for plan B. Cadet!

Lekhram: "Already on it cap! Armed and ready. We're gonna have us a little fire works show people."

Palmer: "Fire at will."

Lekhram: "Hell yeah! Get bent asteroid!"

Cadet Lekhram pushed a button and released a large portion of the super charged missiles and bombs that the ship had on board. There was a gigantic explosion and the ship shook a little. There was a large cloud of dust and nothing could be seen. Lekhram got a satisfied look on his face and put his feet up on the control panel in front of him.

Lekhram: "Yeah. Only thing I hate about blowin stuff up with space weapons, you can't hear the..."

There was a loud bang and the ship shook again and the Cadet fell out of his chair. Before anyone could start laughing, the dust began to clear very fast, as if it were being blown away by wind. The asteroid could be seen again. It was moving again. However, it started to pick up much more speed than before. It slowly built up to a tremendous amount of speed and then, entered hyperspace and was gone.

Palmer: "That's not possible. It couldn't be unless..."

Anderson: "Captain?"

Palmer: "It's alive..."

Anderson: "Excuse me sir?!"

Palmer: "That thing is alive! That's how it's been moving. That's how it fought us off. And that's how it just hit the gas pedal on us."

Harding: "Well what are we gonna do? Alive or not, it just ate up half of our ammo and doesn't have a scratch on it. And at the rate it's going, it'll reach Earth in much less time."

Lekhram: "Well there is one other thing. We could do. Remember that guy you used to be pals with? I bet he could take this thing. You know how much I hate giving a target over to someone else but..."

Palmer: "That's out of the question. As soldiers, we cannot condone his actions, whatever his intentions may be."

Anderson: "Sir, I agree with Lekhram on this. I believe he is our only hope as well."

Harding: "Hmm, who would'a thunk. Lekhram is the voice of reason here."

Palmer: "... I'll do it."

The captain pulled out his pocket communicator, pushed a few buttons.

Back on Earth

A young man's cellphone begins to ring.

Man: "Hello?"

Palmer: "Matt..."

Matt: "Yo, Troy. What's goin on buddy?"

The captain went over the situation with Matt.

Palmer: "So what do you think? Sound like fun?"

A large smile broke out over Matt's face

Matt: "Bitchin."

He hung up. He went up to the roof with a large box. He then pulled out a blue and white hero outfit with a long red cape and black visor.

Matt: "Looks like I'll have to bail you out again, huh Troy?"

Matt put on the suit and took off into the sky at incredible speed.

On the ship

Palmer had just hung up his communicator

Heiwajima: "So how long until our backup gets here?"

Palmer: "Right about now."

Heiwajima: "?"

All of the sudden there was a flash of light and small shockwave and Matt could be seen hovering outside the ship. Everyone but the captain looked with awe. He contacted the ship over the radio.

Matt: "How's it hangin guys?"

Heiwajima: "What the... Who are you? How did you know where we were? And how did you get here so fast? And..."

Matt: "Listen, if I just sat here answering all the questions you have, we'd be here all day so let's just say I'm awesome, ok? So, captain. What are you gonna do, head back to base?"

Palmer: "I have never failed to eliminate a target and I won't do so now. You will assist us in the destruction of the asteroid. Is that clear?"

Matt: "Crystal. But I get the feeling your boss won't be so pleased that your working with me and not trying to capture me."

The captain pressed a button and the ship fired a couple of energy bullets at Matt. They bounced off of his suit.

Palmer: "Well, looks like your too strong for us. We have no choice but to let you go."

Matt chuckled lightly

Matt: "So we doin this or what?"

Palmer: "Full speed ahead."

There was a flash of light and both the ship and Matt were gone.

TO BE CONTINUED...

 

2: Ultimate Hero Crisis 2: Confrontation

Matt and the asteroid buster crew were speeding through hyperspace, giving chase to the living planetoid that was making it way toward the Earth. Neon streaks of light were flying past all around them at incredible speeds, stretching out into the infinite darkness. The asteroid could be seen in the distance.

Palmer: I've gone over the plan with you all. You know your jobs. And our objective is of the utmost importance. We cannot fail. Is everybody ready?!

All: Yes!

Lekhram: Wait, what?

Palmer: Begin! Matt, your up first!

Matt: Right!

Matt began to pick up speed and caught up with the asteroid quickly.

Matt: Hey! Don't you know theres a speed limit round these parts? Nothing over the speed of light!

Matt flew a distance ahead of the asteroid and stopped. He readied himself as it approached. Just as the massive object got within striking distance, he punched it dead center. The asteroid lost almost all of the speed it had picked up immediately. The lights began to swirl around them at even greater speed until there was a bright flash. After that, the rest of space could be seen. There was another flash and the ship appeared close by. A crack larger than the Grand Canyon could be seen across the surface of the asteroid.

Palmer: Good work Matt. Alright team, now it's your turn.

All: AYE SIR!

The crew got to work. On the outside the, the ship began to move it parts and reposition until it almost looked like a different ship.

Heiwajima: Combat formation complete.

Palmer: Good! Take it down! It doesn't get any further than this, understood?

Lekhram: Let's do this thing! Activating energy bonds.

Countless golden energy cords flew out of the ship and quickly entangled the asteroid, stopping it dead in it's tracks. Shockwaves began emanating from it once again.

Matt: She's gettin angry!

Lekhram: Well if it didn't like that, this is really gonna piss it off! Molecular Drill, GOOO!

The cadet hit a button and pushed a throttle all the way forward. A massive amount of energy began spiraling at the center of the ship's hull until it formed a large blue energy drill. It kept spinning faster and extending until it made contact with the asteroid's surface. Large sparks and super heated chunks of rock began to fly all over.

Palmer: Matt, don't just sit there. It's not done yet.

Matt: I know! And quit calling me Matt. It's Ultiman!

Ultiman flew to the other side of the asteroid in an instant. He then stopped and began his assualt. He threw a flurry of puches and kicks that were hardly visible. Each one was causing massive quakes all across the asteroid. Mountains were crumbling, valleys were collapsing, and the canyon he left before was widening. The asteroid's shockwaves began to intensify. The golden cords broke and the ship and Matt were pushed back slightly.

Ultiman: Alright, lets try this!

Ultiman held both his arms out to the side. His whole suit began to glow. He then quickly brought both arms forward and crossed them, sending two light crescents spinning from them. The lights began to enlarge and spin faster until they touched the surface of the asteroid where they exploded violently and left a large continent sized crater.

Anderson: Whoah, this guy is something else. He did more in that last attack than any of our weapons could.

Ultiman: Damn it. That last attack packed enough power to take out something twice it's size. How is it still in one piece? Ah, well. Let's give this another go then.

The hero began to charge up energy again when the asteroid began to create shockwaves again. Then all of the space debris in the area began to gravitate toward it, filling in all of the damage the team had done.

Lekhram: Aw maaaan.

Harding: This isn't good. We are seriously coming to our last leg here. It's taken everything we have and we've hardly made a scratch. Even this other guy couldn't bring it down. I don't know how much more we can do here.

Heiwajima: Perhaps we can call for back up and then hold it here long enough for reinforcements to arrive. A unit of 10 or 15 of these ships should be able to do the job for sure.

Palmer: I...

As the captain started to speak, Matt began to laugh loudly and everyone was silent.

Ultiman: Hahahahahahahahahahaha!

Lekhram: Hmm? The hells his problem?

Ultiman: AHAHAHAHAHA! Wow, for rough and tumble military types, you guys sure do quit easy.

Crew: ?

Anderson: Umm, in case you didn't notice, that thing just shrugged off everything we as well as you have thrown at it.

Ultiman: Umm, in case you didn't notice, I haven't even started to fight with this thing yet. Watch and learn folks!

Ultiman reached up to his chest and twisted one of the seals on his suit. A great burst of light started to surge from his body. Space debris in the area started to crumble into dust. The ship started to shake.

Ultiman: You guys might want to put your shields up, this is about to turn into one hell of a party!

An energy barrier formed around the ship. Matt then started to casually do warm up stretches.

Heiwajima: What is this guy doing? Is he really going to go at that thing again?

Palmer: Like he said, watch and learn...

As the captain said this, a small grin broke out over his face. When Matt finished stretching, he crossed his arms and simply began to watch the asteroid, as if anticipating it's moevments. A hush fell over the crew. Then in an instant, Ultiman dissapeared into thin air. In the same moment, he reappeared in front of the planetoid and gave it a good kick. A large crack had formed all across the surface as the object spun like a top through space and veered off course. The crew was in awe over what they had just barely seen. As the great rock finally stopped spinning, it unleashed shockwaves stronger than ever before. The surface was cracking and moving on it's own and began to form what vaguely looked like a face.

Ultiman: It finally decided to show it's ugly mug huh? Guess I should go closer and say hello.

He sped a bit closer and then stopped. He clapped his hands together and started to draw them apart, revealing a light from in between. He pulled them apart all the way and claymore sword with a glowing blue blade was revealed.

Ultiman: Transfer System: Proton Blade

He grabbed the sword and started slashing at incredible speed. Energy slashes flew from the blade and started to hit the asteroid blowing off country sized chucks with each hit. The mouth opened and a meteor shower of rocks flew out. Ultiman stopped slashing and began dodging each and every one. They also bounced off of the shield the ship had erected but it was cracking. There was a rock the size of a state headed toward the ship. At the last second, he teleported the ship out of the path of the rock. There was another one headed his way. But Ultiman caught this one and threw it back. The asteroid shot out a beam of energy, disintegrating the meteor. But Matt sprung out from behind the blast. He lifted the sword above his head. Started to glow and extend for miles. But as he approached for a swing, the asteroid in its entirety vanished into thin air with a small flash.

Harding: What the... where did it go?

Anderson: You're telling me this thing can enter hyperspace that quickly?

Ultiman: No, it's not in hyperspace.

All: ?

Ultiman: I believe with all the time it spent fighting us, it's really been biding it's time and building energy.

Heiwajima: To teleport?

Ultiman: Yep. You know what that means, right?

The crew was silent for a second. Then Captain Palmer stood up.

Palmer: It means that that thing is no longer on it's way to Earth. It has already arrived.

TO BE CONTINUED...

3: Ultimate Hero Crisis 3: Promises Kept

The crew was in awe after they had just seen something the size of a planet disappear into thin air. But the feeling of failure and despair had also started to set in as the creature was most likely approaching the Earth as they spoke. Everyone was silent for a moment. Then Heiwajima slammed his fist down on his control panel in anger.

Heiwajima: NO!!! We failed. We couldn't stop it... That thing is about to slam into the Earth, our home. And there's nothing we can do from here.

Anderson: Maybe the federation can mobilize forces and..

Heiwajima: Hell no! There's no way they could respond to something like that in time. Even the automatic energy field around the planet would only fail to stop it.

Harding: But, why is it doing this? If it was to only run into the Earth, it would only end up damaging itself. That can't be it.

Ultiman: Your right, it's not.

Everyone looked back to the monitor which had it's sights on the Matt.

Ultiman: It plans to approach the planet and drink in the life energy of the planet, leaving nothing more than a barren rock. It's been doing this for a while to keep itself alive and now Earth is just another item on the menu.

Palmer: Hmm, interesting but how exactly do you know this.

Ultiman: When I punched it that first time, I decided to try and see if it had a thinking mind. It did and I connected with it's consciousness for a short time. It even has a sort of name for itself. Haos. And there's something else interesting about it, but I'll get to that later.

Anderson: None of it matters. The world is about to end and we have only ourselves to blame.

Ultiman: No, this is my fault as well.

All: ?

Ultiman: If I had only started off more serious, I could have destroyed it by now. I'm sorry everyone... I promise you this. Not a single inch of that monster will touch the Earth.

Matt flew a couple of miles from the ship and stopped. He reached up to his chest and twisted the seal even further. A burst of energy that could be seen from the ship rushed forth and then died down. Everyone on the ship was staring at what looked like a newly born star.

Ultiman: No more games...

There was a great flash and he was gone.

On Earth, in New Haven city, it was a cloudy day. Everything was calm and peaceful. The sky darkened and the ground shook violently. Something large was crossing in front of the sun. Everyone looked up in wonder. All of the sudden, the clouds flew out of the way and everyone could see the face of the Haos, closing in

Everyone below was running and screaming in terror. The city turned to chaos in moments. The same all across the world as footage of this came in on the news. Towers posted across the globe shot up beams of energy which formed into a planet-wide barrier but it was torn asunder, as if by invisible hands. Automated intercom messages came on all across the region:

*Attention! There has been a sizable disturbance detected in the atmosphere above. We ask you all to calmly acquire a mode of transportation and evacuate immediately. Planetary shuttles will be departing from station E shortly. There are more than enough vessels so please do not shove or force your way onto one. Thank you and be safe.*

*¡Atención! Ha habido una considerable perturbación detectada en la atmósfera por encima. Les pedimos a todos que calma adquirir un medio de transporte y la evacuación inmediata. Lanzaderas planetarios estarán partiendo de la estación de E breve. Hay más que suficientes barcos, de manera que recomendamos que no empujar o forzar su camino en una. Gracias y estar a salvo.*

*Attention! Il ya eu une perturbation importante détectée dans l'atmosphère au-dessus. Nous vous demandons tous d'acquérir calmement un mode de transport et d'évacuer immédiatement. Navettes planétaires partiront de la gare de E sous peu. Il ya plus qu'assez de navires, de sorte s'il vous plaît ne pas pousser ou de forcer votre chemin sur un. Merci et être en sécurité.*

The millions of shuttles and other vehicles took off, however, when they were about to leave the atmosphere, the asteroid opened its mouth and began inhaling a sort of green mist from the planet. All vehicles and electronics on the planet lost power immediately. The shuttles and ships were falling back to the ground and all of the people and animals were feeling weak as well. But in an instant they all stopped in mid air and gently descended to the ground. Everyone looked up to see what had happened. A bright light illuminated the sky again. It shone in front of the creature, resembling the dawn. The light cleared and Ultiman was there with his arms folded, staring the asteroid in it's face. Without moving, he let out a small burst of energy and the mist stopped flowing. The creature became enraged. It opened it mouth again and let out an enormous flaming meteor but still without moving, the hero let out a simple "hmph" and the meteor was instantly heading the opposite direction and hit the creature in it's face. It sent more but the same happened.

Ultiman: You done yet?

Haos started to charge up energy again but Matt acted first.

Ultiman: Transfer System: Proton Blade, mode Buster!

His glowing blue blade appeared again. This time when it expanded, it got much longer to where it's glow could barely be seen from the ground. Matt took off at full speed and disappeared for a split second and reappeared in the other side of Haos.

Ultiman: Double Cross...

He snapped his fingers and there was a titanic explosion across the asteroid. When the debris cleared, and enormous X could be seen on the front and back of the creature. A lava like substance was spewing out all over the creature and flowing out of it's mouth like blood. Matt chuckled a bit.

Ultiman: And now, your about done. But there's time for one last finale!

Haos rotated around.

Ultiman: You were gathering more energy while we were fighting. Trying to jump again right? Sorry pal, I took it all when I attacked you before. This sword isn't just for attacking you know. Point is, your not goin' anywhere. So let's just finish this!

The creature started to glow immensely and a sort of red aura could be seen flowing from it. Matt was a little surprised but on guard. In the next second, red blasts of energy came flying out of the creature's eyes and mouth, almost forming a wall. Matt threw the weapon at the incoming barrage. The blade was cutting through all the energy. Matt then followed the path that it made through. As it went, the sword got bigger and glowed brighter. Matt then caught up to the weapon and grabbed it, continuing his advance on the enemy. When made it near the surface he finally took a huge swing. Haos split in two. It's halves started to drift apart. Lava and debris were drifting out into space. Matt took a breath of relief. At that moment, the crew showed up. Everyone on board was looking at the broken rock in amazement.

Palmer: You did quite the job here Matt.

Ultiman: Hmm, I guess. Didn't seem like that much to me.

They both laughed a bit. But all of the sudden, one of the halves started glowing red again. The asteroid began drifting closer to the planet until it got caught in Earth's gravity. Across the globe, the sky turned red with the light of reentry. As it got closer, a dreadful, nightmarish shriek could be heard as well and one of the eyes and half of the mouth were starring at the surface. The people started to panic again. As Haos heated up more, it started to break off into many millions of pieces until there was a full scale meteor shower headed for the western hemisphere.

Lekhram: W-what the hell is it doing?!

Palmer: I imagine it's a sort of, "If I can't have it, no on can mentality". This thing was a lot more intelligent than we initially gave it credit for.

Anderson: I see. It's just a sore loser.

Palmer: Indeed. Just like our friend Matt here who should probably get a move one.

Ultiman: Ha! The work never ends.

Matt took off back to Earth. He beat the debris down and stopped in the troposphere. The array was spread out over continents and falling fast. Matt held both of his hands out in front of him.

Ultiman: Everybody say freeze.

At that moment, all around the world, time came to a complete stop. Matt took the chance to charge up a bit of energy and make his way around the world, destroying each and every piece he saw. When he was sure he had them all, he allowed time to move again. Everyone saw that the danger was gone as well a lone figure saluting them. They cheered and celebrated in the streets, praising this mystery hero. However, he missed one baseball sized bit a couple thousand miles away over the Gobi Desert and rushed off toward it. The second before it hit the ground, Matt arrived and caught it. A small grin broke out over his face.

Ultiman: A promise is a promise, eh guys.

Matt flew away. Back in orbit, he caught up with the ship.

Harding: So, what are we going to do about that half?

Palmer: We should take the proper precautions and...

Ultiman: Nah, it's going away. Far away. It's just more bad-ass that way, you know?

Lekhram: Hmm, I like his style.

Matt put his hands out. There was a flash and the half as well as the small stone were gone. He then teleported on board the ship, took off his helmet, and looked around for a second.

Ultiman: Not bad.

He looked over at Harding starred for a second.

Ultiman: Hey, your pretty cute. You wanna go out sometime?

Lisa blushed and was a little flustered. 

Harding: I... uh... you mean...

Lekhram: Jeez, man! And we thought you were fast out there...

Everyone laughed a little, and then sat down for a leisurely talk. After, Matt put his helmet back on and  stood up.

Ultiman: Well, I best be off. I actually have something else important to do today.

Palmer: As important as saving the planet? I must hear of this business later on.

Ultiman: For sure.

Matt teleported back off the ship.

Palmer: You know, you really are lucky to have such power. We all are. Thank you.

Ultiman: This power is a curse if there ever was one.

With that said, he disappeared in a flash and the crew looked at each other in bewilderment. In another part of the galaxy, Matt stopped and waited for a while until a small, personal craft appeared. The windows were tinted and and the body looked worn. The pilot contacted Matt.

???: Hi there. You have fun, playing with your little friend today?

Ultiman: Eh, I guess it was an OK work out.

???: Mmm, that just won't do. I need you at your strongest. Or else it won't feel right when I kill you Matty.

Ultiman: Don't you worry about me. I've been ready ever since then. I promised I would be... Firo...

TO BE CONTINUED ...

4: Ultimate Hero Crisis 4: Reunion

The hero and his mysterious opponent were silently floating in the void. However, they needed not speak. They knew each other well enough to understand all the feelings and lost words brought up by their reunion without so much as a look. Matt finally decided to break the silence.

Ultiman: So, you planning on taking me out in that little crap wagon?

Firo: To be honest, not at all. This will just be a test of your strength and skills. I'm really quite eager to see where you stand after all this time. But I'm sure you'll pass with flying colors.

Inside the jet, a psychotic smile broke out over Firo's face as he said this. Matt disappeared and reappeared on top of the ship, squatting over the tinted windows.

Ultiman: Good. You were always a smart guy. It'd be a real shame if the best you could come up with was throwing your toys at me.

Firo: Then let's begin.

The jet took off with a small boom along with Matt. The two were flying through space, side by side.

Firo: Now let's see how you handle this.

The wings of the plane lit up a violet color. It then rolled over toward Matt leaving streaks of light behind. Matt dodged and threw a kick back. Firo dodged as well. He then fell behind slightly and then quickly sped up trying to slice Matt from behind. He looped over around to the back and came down on Firo with a chop. It almost hit the back of the jet as Firo quickly flew ahead to avoid the brunt of the attack. The two were now flying through an asteroid field. The tip of Firo's glowing wing nicked a large rock several times the size of the ship and the whole thing split cleanly in two.

Ultiman: Ooo, pointy.

Firo: This is a little boring so far, wouldn't you say? How about we pick up the pace a little?

Ultiman: Sure. I wanna see what this things got before I break it!

There was a large flash and both of them were gone. They were in hyperspace with neon lights flying by. The jet wings were no longer glowing but the main gun was charging up. A flurry energy bullets flew out. Matt dodged and lobed an energy wave back. It missed as well. All of the ship's weapons were activated simultaneously and were pointed at Matt. He pointed his hands back at Firo. They both had large grins on their faces.

Ultiman: Let's do this!

Firo: Take this!

A barrage of energy bullets, beams, and charges flew out. Matt was dodging them, dancing and twisting around through the onslaught. Simultaneously, he was firing energy beams back and Firo too was dodging. All across the galaxy, explosions and beams could be seen flying from invisible combatants. Some of them were caving in moons or impaling planets. Matt finally hit the ship flashing out of hyperspace, it slowed to a stop. Matt stopped as well.

Ultiman: (Damn! I was having too much fun there. I hadn't noticed we were causing so much damage. All those planets were dead but I should still preserve them. I have to get this fight under control.)

Firo: As I predicted, you have this vessel thoroughly outclassed. Well done.

Ultiman: Or are you just a bad pilot? *Hehehe*

Firo: Hehe, possibly. Looks like it's about time to…

The screen display within the jet alerted Firo to something. He looked perplexed for a second and then he laughed.

Firo: However, there is still one weapon I've yet to use against you.

The small boosters on the bottom of the ship fired up. They were repositioning it so that Matt was directly between it and a nearby planet. Purple energy built up around the ship's body. Firo picked up a great deal of speed and the energy started to flow around the ship until it looked like a shooting star.

Firo: Now here's the deal hero. Recently, a large mining crew had been deployed to this particular solar system. I hate to involve outsiders in this affair but just this once, I'll make an exception. You will either stop my next attack, or I'll plow into this planet, and every other one in this area. In other words dodging is not an option.

Ultiman: Didn't plan on it.

Firo: Now feel this, DOOM STAR!

The ship picked up an incredible amount of speed and was pushing away space debris for miles with it's wake. Matt didn't move. He waited for the jet to get closer and closer until the energized ship was within arm's reach and pulled back his hand.

Ultiman: Now you feel this, ULTIMATE PIMP SLAP!

He slapped the front of the ship and the whole nose came off. The energy dissipated in an instant and the disabled jet spiraled out of control until it fell within the gravitational pull of the red and rocky world behind Matt.

Ultiman: Well, at least it looked cool as hell for a moment there *hehe*

He sped off after the ship. Bathed in the fire of reentry, the jet crashed through a mountain, hit a barren wasteland, and left a large crater behind, burning with molten heat. Shortly after, Matt gently landed nearby and peeked down into the hole.

Ultiman: Jeez, that didn't look fun… But at least now we can stop playing around and get down to it, and I can stop this madness.

Suddenly, a feeling of dread hit Matt. He didn't know why, but he felt almost afraid of something. The tinted windshield of the jet cracked and broke, as if an invisible foot had kicked it out. Firo stood up and as he did, countless tubes and wires could be seen running from the ship directly into his body. They all detached and fell off leaving wide holes with a large amount of blood spilling out. They healed up in seconds. He had on a red and yellow suit vaguely similar to the one Matt had but lacking a cape and mask. His eyes were complately white with irises barely visible. He had dark scars scattered across his face and neck with veins visible as well. He put on an insane smile and glared back at Matt withn wild eyes. Matt's body wouldn't move. His muscles were frozen in place by this sight. The most he could do was utter a single sentence.

Ultiman: … what the hell are you…

TO BE CONTINUED ...

5: Ultimate Hero Crisis 5: Burning Memories

It was a cloudy day in Haven City. A well-dressed 10 year old boy was strolling through the gardens looking fondly at an expensive looking pocketwatch. While he wasn't paying attention, two other kids had surrounded him. Before the younger boy could say anything, one of the boys pushed him over and the other one snatched the watch from the ground. They were both laughing with cruel smiles on their faces.

Bully #1: Whoa! This looks fancy.

Bully #2: Look at those gems! I wonder how much it's worth.

Child: Hey, give that back!

The boy got up off the ground and tried to reach for the watch but the bully held it away from him and the other pushed him down again. The boy looked like he was about to cry.

Bully #2: Aww, what's the matter?

Bully #1: I think it's really important to him.

Bully #2: Oh, well don't worry, we just wanna see it. We'll give it right back, hahahaha!

The two bullies turned around and were about to walk away. But as they turned around, there was another boy standing behind them. He was kind of dirty as if he had been rolling around on the ground and in need of a haircut.

Bully #1: Hmm, who the hell are you?

Bully #2: Ugh, he looks gross. You some kind of hick or somethin?

Without saying anything, the boy punched one of the bullies on the face. He squealed a little bit and dropped the pocketwatch. The other bully ran over and punched the boy in the face. He fell over, but quickly got up again and punched back. The other bully got up and ranover to join the fight. While the child was fighting one bully, the other came and punched him in the stomach. He kept fighting. The other child was still on the ground, watching this mystery boy fight. The scrap went on for a few more minutes. The two bullies were tuckered out and bruised up, laying on the ground and breathing heavily. The boy was on the ground too, but he quickly got up again. His face was bruised and he had scrapes on his arms and legs. However, he calmly walked over to where the pocketwatch was and picked it up. The two bullies got up as well. They looked at the mystery boy with scorn and then limped away. The boy turned his attention to the child who was on the ground and slowly walked over to him.

Child: AH! Thank you so...

Before he could finish, the boy held out his hand, as if he was expecting something.

Child: Umm...

Boy : That'll be fifty bucks.

Child: What?

Boy: I helped you so now you owe me fifty bucks, dumbass!

Child: But... I don't have any money.

Boy: Well pay up or I'm keepin' this thing.

Child: No! I need that! I... I...

The child started to tear up and cry again. The boy looked surprised for a second and then looked a little ashamed.

Boy: Alright, alright, just stop, jeez. Here.

He held out the watch to the crying child with a disappointed look on his face. The child stopped crying and looked up, still sniffling.

Child: But, I don't have...

Boy: It's fine, just take it... It's yours right?

The child wiped the tears from his face and grabbed the watch. He looked at it for a second and then smiled.

Child: Thank you so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Boy: Yeah, whatever... That fight was kinda fun anyway, hehe!

At that moment, it started to rain heavily. The two boys ran out of the gardens to a nearby playground and hid under the slide. As they waited for the rain to stop, they began talking.

Boy: That's a pretty flashy watch.

Child: My father gave it to me. He's a general in the Federation's fleet. He left on an important mission not too long ago. But before he left he gave me this and said to keep it safe for him. I didn't do a very good job did I...

Boy: Yeah, you didn't...

Child: But, the way you stood up to those boys and got it back. Your like a hero!

Boy: A hero?

Child: Yeah, someone who stands up to danger with no fear and fights off all the bad guys in the name of justice!

The boy had a puzzled look on his dirty face for a moment. But it quickly changed back to his normal, uncaring expression.

Boy: Tch! That's stupid. Where's the pay in that?

Both boys were silent for a moment. Then, the child spoke.

Child: My name is Firo. What's yours?

Boy: It's Matt.

Firo: It's nice to meet you Matt!

Matt: Uhh, sure...

9 years later

7:33 AM

Matt was fast asleep in his bed. His phone started to ring loudly and vibrate. He ignored it and rolled over. It stopped but a moment later, started to ring again. He ignored it again. The phone stopped just to begin ringing again. Matt let out a grunt and rolled back over to answer his phone.

Matt: ... hullo?

Firo: WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?! THE FEDERATION ORIENTATION IS ABOUT TO BEGIN SOON!

Matt: The... wha... ! CRAP! I forgot! I'll be right over! Stall them for me!

Firo: Wait! I...

Matt hung up and sprang out of bed. He took off his t shirt and boxers and ran to the bathroom to shower. After about a minute or so, he jumped out of the shower and without even grabbing a towel, ran to the kitchen and threw some frozen burritos in his microwave. He ran back to his bedroom, slipping a little while running due to the water on him. He pulled on his uniform quickly and ran back out to the kitchen to grab his burritos and ran out the front door only to run back in, grab his phone, and run back out.

Federation Academy Orientation

Firo was talking with a group of Federation higher ups.

Official #1: Ohoho! Young Firo, you certainly are your father's son. Now where is this other lad you were telling us about, Matthew was it?

Firo: He, uhhh

At that moment, Matt showed up in almost a full sprint.

Matt: Hello, it's very nice to meet all of you!

He smiled politely and shook hands with all of the officials. Firo whispered in Matt's ear.

Firo: What happened to you? You were supposed to be here almost a half hour ago. I bet you overslept, didn't you?

Matt: Hehe, you know me. I need my beauty sleep.

Firo: Of course you did. I shouldn't have expected much more of you.

Matt: Hey man, that was a wild party we went to last night. I don't know how you got up so early.

Firo: Ugh, dude, your breath reeks!

Matt: Damn! I knew I forgot something!

Firo: How much of a dumbass are you?

Matt: Don't call me a dumbass you dumbass!

Official #1: Ahem!

They both stopped whispering and looked at the officials who looked like they were losing patience.

Firo: Haha, I was, uh, just letting him know what he's missed so far. Hahaha...

Matt: Yeah, I really can't wait to get into it...

Official #1: I see... Well, we'll let both of you get acclimated. Good day gentlemen.

The officials walked away leaving the two standing there.

Firo: *Sigh* Come on you. Let's do this.

Matt: Haiii!

The two looked around the Federation's main headquarters for the day. They soon both moved into dorms at the academy and became roommates. They took various classes and received military training together. However, in terms of physical ability, Matt was always slightly ahead of Firo. One late afternoon, Matt was walking by the training field and saw a lone Firo running the track. Matt began to jog alongside him.

Matt: Yo, what are you doing?

Firo: Nothing *pant pant pant*

Matt: Ah, I get it. But I'm not gonna let you get better than me!

Matt started to run as fast as Firo.

Firo: What are...

Matt: If I train just as hard as you, you won't be able to get stronger than me.

Firo: Oh yeah? Then I'll just train so hard you can't keep up.

Firo started to run faster than Matt. Matt then started to run even faster.

Matt: Oh please. I can train as hard as you and then some!

The two began to accelerate more and more and kept running laps until the sun went down. The next morning, they were in line to run an advanced obstacle course. Both Matt and Firo looked sleep deprived and weak. When it was time to run they both passed out. They spent the rest of the day cleaning every bathroom in the colossal academy.

1 month later

Matt and Firo's group was being given a tour of a research facility. They were told how a new revolutionary kind of energy was being developed to power the country and soon the rest of the world easily.

Firo: Whoa, wasn't that amazing?

Matt: Hmm? Yeah... fascinating.

Firo: This will be huge one day.

Matt: It'll change the world and effect every aspect of our lives, blah blah blah. Yeah I heard the lady when she said it. Now is there a bathroom in this place or not?

All of the sudden the generator started to make strange noises. It then started to smoke and give off strong discharge. An alarm started to go off and a deep red light engulfed the facility. A metal wall with a few small windows came down from the cieling and sealed up the generator chamber. The Matt and Firo's unit took all of the members and evacuated them. Everyone outside of the chamber had ran out of the facility. However, Firo stopped and stayed when he say researchers were still trapped in the chamber.

Firo: Hey, somebody get them out! Hey!

Unit Leader: Hey, you get out of here!

Firo: Those people in there. They need help!

Unit Leader: We can't risk opening that chamber! There is a massive radiation leak!

Firo: That thing looks like it's going to go critical! If those people stay in there, there going to be killed!

Unit Leader: That's not your concern, now get going! Thats an order!

Firo: I'm sorry but ... I can't...

The Unit Leader looked angry for a second but then took another look at the generator and ran off to the rest of the unit. Matt was in the evacuated group which was making it's way outside. He was looking for Firo but didn't see him anywhere.

Matt: Hey! Where's Firo?!

Unit Leader: That idiot wanted to stay behind. No shut up and keep moving!

Matt: He WHAT?!

Matt stopped dead in his tracks, turned around, and sprinted back towards the generator room.

Unit Leader: HEY! GET BACK HERE!

Matt made his way back to the research room to find Firo messing with the computers in the room. He grabbed Firo by the shoulder hard.

Matt: What the HELL are you doing? This place could blow up any second!

Firo: That's exactly why I can't leave these people in here.

Matt: Listen, we gotta get out of here NOW!

Firo: I'm not going to leave these people so if your not going to help, go back to the others.

Matt looked into Firo's eyes and saw nothing but determination starring back at him.

Matt: Well I'm not leaving you here, so what can I do?

Firo: I think theres a manual override somewhere on one of these panels. Try and find it.

They both frantically worked the computers, trying to get the chamber open. After about a minute, Firo finally got the wall to come up

and the researchers ran out of the building.

Matt: We did it! Now let's go!

Firo: Not yet. We have to shut them back now to keep the blast and radiation in.

Matt: What?! Come OOOON!

Firo: I have to do this or it'll take out the entire campus, hell maybe even the whole city!

Matt: Damn it, then we should have just left those guys if opening that thing would have gotten even more people killed!

Firo: No! We can't sacrifice people to save others, it's not right!

Firo hurriedly used the computers trying to get the doors back down. The generator was getting more and more violent my the second. The building started to shake. There were charges of electricity flying in every direction and narrowly missing the two. Matt picked up a piece of debris and held it up like a shield while standing in front of Firo.

Matt: Do it quick!

Firo: I will!

The building was shaking more and more and the lightning was coming faster.

Firo: I GOT IT! Let's go!

The chamber wall started to come down again and the two started to run toward the exit. However, the wall was almost all the way down when the generator finally exploded violently. A wave of energy came up the hallway they were running down. As it approached, Matt jumped in front of Firo at the last second taking the brunt of it. They both flew back a great distance and the building came down on top of them. From the outside, a great light could be seen from within for a second. All the windows blew out right before the facility building collapsed. Firo and Matt were under the rubble. Firo woke up and rolled over. His right eye was damaged and he could barely see out of his left one.

Firo: Matt... MATT! Where are you?!

He looked around frantically for a moment and saw a hand a short distance away. He pulled it toward him. What he saw a moment later made him drop it and let out a scream. All of the skin and most of the flesh from Matt's head and upper right torso was gone. His legs were crushed and there was blood all over him. Firo had a look of sheer terror on his face. He suddenly heard sounds from above him. A rescue team had cleared through the wreckage and made a path out of the building. Two rescuers put Firo's arms over their shoulders and escorted him out. They also brought a body bag, put Matt in it, zipped it up, and carried it away. As Firo saw this, he began to scream with tears streaming down his face until he wore himself out and passed out again. They loaded him into an ambulance and took him away.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

6: Ultimate Hero Crisis 6: Burning Memories Pt 2

?: We have to get out of here!

?: What the hell are you doing?!

?: I'm NOT leaving them!

?: Hurry up and do it!

?: I'm trying!

?: Let's GOOO!

?: We're almost there!

?: What the hell is that?!

?: AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!

Firo opened his eyes abruptly. He was in a bed in a spacious hospital room. There were multiple vases filled with various types of flowers and cards scattered across the room. Firo looked around for a second and then looked down at himself. There were several scratches on his arms but they were healing up well. He felt a slight twinge in his eye and reached up to feel it but it was also fine. He stared out of the open window for a second, his mind still foggy. At that moment, a nurse walked in the room. They looked at each other for a second and then she smiled.

Nurse: Ah, I see your awake. Good morning sir!

Firo: ...

Nurse: You were in quite a shape when you come to us but we fixed you up quite nicely I must say. We were even able to save your eye. Ah, what glorious age for medicine, yes?

Firo: What... happened?

Nurse: Oh, you don't remember? You were caught in the big explosion at the Federation research facility. You were in critical condition. But in spite of this, you were pretty lucky. The other man we found with you wasn't I'm afraid.

Firo: ... other man...

Firo's mind went blank for a moment. Then, all of the previous events came rushing back into his mind all at once. He threw the blanket off of him, aggressively grabbed the nurse by her shoulders, and looked at her with crazed eyes. The heart monitor by his bed started spiking.

Firo: WHERE ... IS... HE?

Before she could answer, his legs gave out and he fell in her arms. The nurse began to frantically call or the doctor while struggling to hold Firo up. The doctor rushed in a moment later and tried to lay him back on the bed but Firo pushed them off.

Doctor: Please, sir. Your major injuries may have been healed but your body is still very weak. You must get back in bed.

Firo: Tell me where he is!

Doctor: Who?

Firo: ... Matt. Where is he?

The doctor's expression changed to a grim one.

Doctor: I'm sorry. There was nothing we could do for the poor boy. From the reports I saw, he was beyond help when the rescue team found you two. And that was 3 days ago. He's gone. Again, I'm sorry...

Firo: THAT'S BULL! He couldn't have. It's not...

The doctor tried to approach him but Firo pushed him away again and mustered up the strength to run out of the room. He made his way to the morgue, trying to dismiss the memories of Matt's mangled body from his mind. He entered the freezing cold room and ran over to the wall of body drawers. He frantically began pulling them out one by one. When he got to the end of the row, he found what he was looking for. He stopped dead in his tracks and couldn't believe his eyes. A number of security guards and the doctor found him and pulled Firo away from the cabinet. The doctor was about to close it back when he stopped in disbelief as well. Everyone was forced to stop and stare. All of Matt's horrific injuries were healed and his skin wasn't pale. He was even breathing. Everyone was dumbfounded at the sight. Matt slowly opened his eyes and looked at the crowd. He silently sat up. Firo ran over and hugged him, almost knocking him onto the floor. Matt looked like he was about to say something for a second, but he then got a strange expression on his face. He threw Firo off of him, jumped up quickly, and sprinted out of the room, yelling something like, "Gotta pee", on the way out. Everyone looked at the door, at each other, and then back to the door. Matt walked out of a nearby bathroom with a sigh of relief. Firo and the doctor were standing outside waiting for him. Matt looked weirded out.

Matt: What's with you guys? Matter of fact, what's going on here? Why were we in a morgue? And why does my body feel so strange?

Matt and Firo went to a changing room to put on the spare clothes they received. Firo then proceeded to recount the events that took place. When they were done, Matt went silent and looked at the floor. He then looked up and spoke.

Matt: So I really died, huh?

Firo: Yeah...

Matt: So...

Firo: MATT! I'm sorry!

Matt: Huh?

Firo: This is my fault. Everything that happened was my fault.

Matt: Umm, it's...

Firo: NO! If I wasn't trying to be such a righteous bastard, you wouldn't have... Please... forgive me...

Matt: Hey! Come on now. You were just trying to do the right thing.

Firo: I almost got countless people killed. My actions weren't heroic. They were foolish.

Matt: ... I... I don't know whether it was really right or wrong. But... I do know that your heart was set on doing what was right. I saw it in your eyes. You know, it kind of makes you a hero! And ... I'm also glad that if I had stayed dead, then I would have died a hero like you!

Firo looked at Matt and Matt grinned back at him. The two got out of the hospital.

Matt: So what are we gonna do now?

Firo: What do you mean?

Matt: We disobeyed direct orders and broke about a million rules with our little stunt and the research center. Whether we survived or not, we're still in hot water.

Firo: Hmm...

All of the sudden, two large black vehicles skidded to a stop nearby. They opened and several agents in black gear sprung out with weapons at the ready. The two put their hands up immediately.

Matt: Dang, I know we broke the rules but isn't this a little excessive?

Firo: What's going on here?

Agent: Take em'!

One of the agents fired a small electrical charge out of his gun and hit Matt square in the chest. He yelled and fell to his knees. Another went up to Firo and hit him in the back of the head with his gun. Firo fell to the ground unconscious. The agent took out hand cuff and put them on Firo's hands and then dragged him into the vehicle.

Matt: FIROOO!

Matt tried to get up but more agents surrounded him and hit him with several more charges. He yelled again more loudly and then fell unconscious himself. The agents then cuffed him as well and dragged him into the other vehicle. When they were both loaded, the two units piled back into their vehicles and pulled off quickly, heading in two different directions. Matt woke up in complete darkness. He could see nothing no matter how hard he tried. He couldn't move either. He was restrained to something by his limbs and mid section and couldn't move an inch.

?: Do not struggle. You will not break free.

Matt: Who the hell are you?!

?: It would be pointless to give you such information. Instead, I will tell you why you are here. As you no doubt know by now, you died in the explosion of the Federation research facility. Or rather I should say, you almost died. You were spared a terrible fate. Do you know what it was?

Matt: Grrr!

?: I see. So you do not know. The answer to this question is rather ironic. What spared you was the very thing that destroyed you. The energy known as Hyperion. The experimental energy that leveled that facility and almost ended you somehow changed you.

Matt:... What? How?

?: We do not know yet. However, it was enough to save you from certain death so we are convinced that it is significant. This brings me to why you are here. I am going to give you various tests and trials to see exactly what you have become and you will give us the data we require.

Matt: And what if I don't want to?

?: Tell me. Have you been wondering where your friend is?

Matt: No...

?: ...

Matt: Wait, I mean yes!

?: He is being held by our agents in a secret location. If you want to see him again alive, you will comply with any and all tests administered to you. Do you understand?

Matt: Friggin' cowards...

?: Excellent. You may begin.

Matt: Huh?

The ceilings, walls and floors lit up white revealing an enormous room. Matt was strapped to a table in the middle of the room. However, the bindings snapped off and Matt was able to stand up. He stood around for a second until the floor started moving. From under it came countless turrets, missile silos, laser guns, and other weaponry.

Matt: Hey, wait! You're not...

The weapons started to fire and Matt closed his eyes and flinched. But when he felt nothing, he opened them slowly to find the bullets and missiles moving through the air as if in slow motion. He walked over to them and tapped a missile. It bent out of shape and fire started to slowly seep out of it.

Matt: Haha... hahaha...YAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Amazing!

As he started to calm down, the barrage started to move at normal speed again and hit Matt. However, he was completely unharmed after the blast. He then looked at his arm. Matt sped over to the weapons and threw some hits at them. he couldn't even feel the resistance of when he smashed them.

Matt: Whoa... is this really me? Hey! Whoever you are! I beat your stupid test so get the hell down here!

?:...

Computer: Level 1 of 1,000 complete. Commencing Level 2. Increasing gravity to 35 Gs. Increasing temperature to 1,500 degrees. Reducing oxygen content to .01%

Matt: Aww, come on...

Elsewhere, Firo was in a dungeon-like corridor seemingly by himself when several dirty looking prisoners stepped out of the shadows brandishing various bladed weapons.

Prisoner:Well well well. Seems you gut throwed in here jus lige us. We gone haas some fun!

Firo, looked at them angrily. They all started chuckling.

Prisoner: WELCOME TO HELL!

TO BE CONTINUED ...

7: Ultimate Hero Crisis 7: Burning Memories Pt 3

The months dragged by. The two were being contained like animals. Matt went through the cruel testing with conditions becoming worse by the day. He hadn't eaten since he was in the hospital and his clothes were completely destroyed by the first day. Firo was in a dark and rather dungeon like prison. He hadn't seen sunlight since he was captured and was fed mainly old bread and protein paste. His clothes were in tatters and he had rags rapped around various bloody looking wounds on his body. Matt and Firo steadily awaited the day their imprisonment came to an end. And then it came...

Computer: Level 1000. Gravity: 100,000 Gs. Temperature: 1,500,000 degrees. Oxygen content: 0%. Opposition: Singularities

The atmosphere within the enormous white room ripped and cracked as any and all traces of a livable environment disappeared. Matt was leaning against a wall, sleeping with his arms folded. Suddenly, his now long and unkempt hair started to pull down as if being wet in the rain. As the gravity increased further, Matt slowly slid down the wall and hit the floor with a heavy crash. He slowly stood up and started to yawn but when he heard no sound from the lack of oxygen, he silently mouthed the words, "Aw, hell." The floor panels opened up as usual and a number of large antennae emerged. The atmosphere started to flux and twist even more until it looked like the air itself was twisting open revealing absolute darkness. 20 black holes spawned all around the room. The antennae themselves were violently ripped from the floor and pulled in. Matt stood in the same spot, looking partly puzzled but mostly tired. The black holes started to expand slowly, taking up more and more space and nearing Matt. He was still unmoved until one of the holes was about to touch him. His eyes started to glow with bright blue Hyperion energy for a moment. Without any sign of movement, he was gone from that spot an on the other side of the room. The black holes stopped growing and simultaneously closed up shortly after. There was a moment of stillness and then large puffs of air flowed into the room. The gravity decreased and the temperature returned to normal.

Computer: All testing levels complete. Would you like to begin the cycle again?

Matt: HUUUUUUUHH?

The same voice as before came over the intercom.

?: No. We have obtained all the data we require.

Matt: Alright. I held up my end of the deal. So fork over that prick, NOW!

?: Of course. Please, allow us to provide you with a shower and new clothes and then we will escort you to your friend.

One of the walls opened up to reveal that the room was a large box, suspended in air over a seemingly bottomless, metal tunnel. A bridge from a far off landing extended to the box. Matt slowly walked over it and into a series of hallways of what looked like another research facility. He was lead to a locker room with a shower and a rack full of all styles of clothing. After cleaning off and picking out a new wardrobe, Matt finally made his way up several levels of the facility and out of the building and walked out into the open air. The entire facility was tucked away in the mountains. While extremely surprised, he couldn't help but miss the sky and took his first deep breath of fresh air in a long time. Matt got in a vehicle similar to the one that captured Firo and he. It drove down a road for a short distance, then took off into the sky.

Hades Prison

Prisoner #1: I hear someone is coming here.

Prisoner #2: Do you think they're gonna let some of us go.

Prisoner #1: I don know man. It's been a while since anybody got out. But if they do come, they'll probably want the boss.

Firo: I told you morons... don't call me that... I want nothing to do with you scum.

Prisoner #1: Ahhh! We're sorry bo... I mean sir. Hehe.

Firo silently stalked away down a dark corridor.

After about an hour, the vehicle came to an ancient abandoned castle on a lonely island. It landed in a clearing near the front gate and Matt got out. There was a path leading down below the structure. It seemed like someone had built a modern structure under the old architecture. Matt got out of the vehicle and stared down the dark passage.

He couldn't hear anything for a moment. Then, there was a loud buzz and the sound of a heavy gate opening and closing. A string breeze cam out of the tunnel and then silence again. Then slow footsteps could be heard coming. It seemed to go on forever until finally, a single figure emerged from the corridor and stepped into the light. He was covered in the remains of tattered and torn clothing and several dirty rags tied around blood stains. He also had a large one covering his lower face like a winter scarf. Firo paused for a second at seeing Matt and then continued to walk toward him. Matt didn't know what to say for a moment. He could barely recognize the person standing in front of him. There was an empty look in his eyes that he'd never seen before. However, he pulled himself together and scrounged up a smile.

Matt: Hey bro! Long time no see right? The hell happened to you in there man?

Firo: ... Matt...

Matt: Well, I didn't have it so easy either ya know. But I knew we were both too badass to get done in by some crap like this. Fosho!

Matt held out his fist for a brofist. Firo looked at it for a second but then walked over to the vehicle and got in. Matt stood there for a second and then followed. Matt got in, shut the door, and they took off. About an hour later, they landed back in the city on the Federation landing strip. Matt and Firo got out with countless military personnel surrounding the vehicle.

Matt: The hells this?

Firo: ...

General: Gentlemen. Congratulations. You two are the first people in this city's history to top the country's most wanted list in one day. Let's give em a hand people. Come on!

Matt: Crap. I knew I forgot something...

General: For the crimes of disobeying orders, desertion, terrorism with experimental technology, reckless endangerment, and mass destruction of government property.

Matt: Terrorism with... do you mean the generator? Firo was trying to save those researchers that YOU abandoned. If this is anyone's crime, it yours! And, WAIT A SECOND! We didn't desert either. The bastards that own this hunkajunk we just flew in sprung us and took us God-knows-where for the last few months! They used me like a friggin lab rat and...

General: That's enough nonsense from you. We're taking you in.

Matt: Like f**k you are. You do know I fist fought an arsenal right?

General: I know exactly what your capable of. That's why I have about 10 jumbo military satellites pointed at your dome right now.

Matt: What the...!

General: Take them!

Matt: Firo!

As Matt was about to move, a beam of golden light shot down from the sky and nailed Matt square on the back.

Matt: Damn! Why couldn't I dodge that? I did stuff like this a million times by now.

One after another the beams hit Matt in the back until he was completely pinned down on the ground. A few soldiers were also approaching Firo with their guns drawn.

Matt: No. Never again!

Matt pushed as hard as he could and managed to raise onto his hands and knees. The intensity of the beams increased and the ground started to crack. However, Matt continued pushing harder and harder and his eyes started glowing again. He reached up and managed to somehow grab one of the beams and rip it off of him. The others intensified again but Matt ripped another one off. However, as he tore them off, the satellites replaced them. He finally managed to stand up and grabbed all the beams at once with both hands.

Matt: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGHHH!

With one motion he ripped the beams down as hard as he could. A few moments later, 10 satellites came falling from the sky as one large meteor and crashed into the nearby bay followed by an explosion that could be seen by the whole city. Water from the explosion fell like rain and everyone had stopped for a moment. Matt was breathing heavily, his eyes still glowing. Firo's dead face was filled with amazement in that moment.

General: RRRRGH! Dammit! This bastard kid! At least grab the other one. But don't use deadly force. We need him...

Soldier: But sir...

General: DO IT!

The soldier was about to hit Firo with his gun but without looking, Firo grabbed the butt of the gun and crushed it in his hand. His eyes changed to a murderous glare at the soldiers. In fear the others pointed at Firo and were about to shoot but in a second, he had closed the distance between them. They tried to shoot but he quickly evaded their aim and knocked them all out one after the other. The one who's gun he broke was the only one left. The soldier looked at him in fear and tried to run away but Firo caught him immediately. Firo grabbed the soldier by his face and lifted him off the ground with one arm. The man squirmed around to no avail as Firo's dark stare met his eyes.

Firo: I'll slaughter all you swine!

Firo grinned for a moment and then motioned like he was going to slam the man down.

Matt: Firo! That's enough. We won.

Firo paused mid motion. He looked at Matt and then at the terrified man. He sighed and his eyes went back to their prior, empty state.

Matt: Let's go.

They both walked over to the vehicle and Matt got in the pilot seat. Before Firo got in, he stopped and looked at the General again.

Firo: I advise you not to pursue us. If our paths cross again, I will rip you apart. Later... father.

He reached inside pocket and pulled out the gem covered pocket watch. He looked at it for a second and then tossed it to the ground. He got in and the two took off. The general watched them fly away. After they were out of sight. He then slowly walked over to the watch and picked it up.

General: I have failed you. I am truly sorry my son...

Inside the plane, the two were silent. Matt was about to say something, but then he decided not to. They flew to a small town a few miles to the south west, got rid of the plane, and stayed low for a while. The town was being extorted by local thugs for quite a while. Matt quickly sprung into action and drove them out with his abilities even though he was still learning to control them. One person among the town was especially thankful to Matt.

Matt: No, it was nothing. Really!

Troy Palmer: It was definitely something. I just felt so helpless in this situation for so long. I have to thank you somehow.

Matt: I'm serious you... well, you wouldn't happen to have access to any labs around here would you?

Troy took the two to a laboratory in the next town over and had them examined.

Troy: There appears to be a strange sort of energy in your body. I've never seen anything like this before.

Matt: Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know. But is there anyway I can, kind of, direct it?

Troy: Do you mean a conduit of some kind?

Matt: Yeah, something that can pull out just enough energy for me to use like I want.

Troy: Use? What do you plan to use this stuff for?

Matt: Listen, can you get one or not?

Troy: ... I'll see if I can get my town and this one to cooperate and get you such device.

Matt: And what about Firo?

Troy: Hmm, he seems pretty normal. Why?

Matt: Nevermind...

Over the next couple months, the towns cooperated to develop a glove and chest pad system to regulate energy flow as thanks to Matt. After receiving it, Matt and Firo took off.

Firo: So... what are you going to do now?

Matt: I'm gonna have to find out who the hell was behind that crap for the last couple months. But, with this much power. I feel like I could do something ... more.

Firo: You want to fly around and be a superhero.

Matt: NO! I just, I just feel like I might as well do what I can when I can, ya know?

Firo: Riiight. Well then, I guess this is where we'll have to split.

Matt: Huh? Why?

Firo: This might be what you choose, but I have my own road to go down now.

Matt: Dude! We came through all this crap together. How can you just say...

Firo: Trust me. It's better this way. I'll see you again soon.

The two parted ways from there. Matt kept traveling from place to place, mainly keeping a low profile while the military satellites were down. He also had Troy keep upgrading his gear from time to time until it became a full, black body suit. Firo took jobs in the underworld in order to make quick money. When the Federation finally did track him down, they only invited him to come back to the capital to talk. Safety guaranteed. Firo refused at first but when they said he would find out the real purpose behind the events at the research facility, he agreed. Firo was escorted into a large conference room with a middle aged man sitting at the long table as well as the General standing up beside him.

Firo: I'm here. So talk.

The middle aged man got up and walked over to Firo.

?: Hello. My name is Harold Credo. You are Firo I take it?

Credo extended his hand for a handshake but Firo didn't respond.

Firo: I said talk.

Credo: I see. Then I will. So to start with, I am the head director of the Federation. And I suppose you could say that every ordeal that you have face so far was my personal doing. I had the generator set to meltdown with those workers in the chamber. I also had you and your friend detained for these past few months. I used your life as a bargaining chip to force your father to bring you in. I do apologize to both of you.

Firo got an inquisitive expression on his face.

Firo: Hmm, is that right? So please, do tell me why you should live past the next 60 seconds.

Credo: Well, to put it simply, because I can complete you. You see, the reason that I endangered those workers was because I needed to use them as test subjects for the radiation. You can imagine how difficult it is to find volunteers for experimental radiation treatment.

Firo: Either way, you did a crappy job. That explosion would have destroyed those people, much less leave any results behind.

Credo: Oh, I'm aware. However, the purpose of that phase was not to yield a complete product. No, that doesn't come until the end. I only wanted to see how much of that energy could come in contact with the human body before it tears it apart. But you see, you and your friend's actions were a most welcome interference. I was able to know exactly how much exposure was needed for live bonding. It even raised that boy from the grave. So you should be able to see why I simply could not resist studying you two further.

Firo: Study me? I was trapped in a hole for the last few months.

Credo: And you had to fight for your life every single day, didn't you?

Firo: ...

Credo: This gave me a good gauge of exactly what you had become. But to be truthful, I doubt those other prisoners would have been able to kill you unless you let them. Not with your training and intellect. And also...

The General looked at the floor.

Credo: You must have noticed that your physical abilities were extraordinary. You were changed as well.

Firo: But not like Matt was.

Credo: Yes, it seems like he somehow got more exposure than you. Your level of energy is hardly even detectable by normal means. But you are still an interesting subject none the less. So back to my proposal. I'd like to complete you, like your friend.

Firo: How?

Credo: I have an experimental treatment that should yield a similar effect to your previous incident. But you should know that it will alter you in nearly every way.

General: Wait just a moment! You said my son would come back to me safely!

Credo: He's standing before you alive, isn't he?

General: That's enough! I won't let you use him anymore. I'm ending this...

Firo: I'll do it.

They both looked at Firo.

General: Firo. Why?

Firo: I've been using this power to survive for so long. I want to see it's limits.

General: I won't allow this! I'll, I'll...

Credo: This no longer has anything to do with you general.

The General reached for his gun but Firo stood in front of Credo. The General pointed his gun at the two. Firo started walking toward his father who did nothing.

General: How can you support this madness?

Firo: This is my choice. No one else's.

General: Firo...

Placed one hand on the general's chest and paused.

Firo: ...

He pushed the general who flew several yards and landed heavily on the floor.

Credo: Arrest this man.

After he said this, numerous soldiers filed into the room, picked up the unconscious general, and dragged him away. Shortly after, Firo was taken to a chamber with a large, lantern like, machine in the middle. He walked into the chamber and it sealed up behind him. The machine lit up with a golden light. Firo looked at it for a second and then at Credo who stood outside.

Credo: I warn you one final time. This process could alter you in nearly every way. It could rend your body... twist your mind... After this, you will truly live in hell. You must have unending willpower to survive this. And even if you do, the person that walks away from this may not be you...

Firo: ... DO IT!

Credo signaled with his hand and the machine bursted with even brighter light. Firo was thrown back against the glass as if by a strong wind. He made his way to his feet again for a moment but fell to the ground, writhing. The machine ran for almost a half hour and then shut off. Firo lay on the floor motionless and barely breathing. He was put on a stretcher by people in hazmat suits and wheeled out to an operating room. He was placed on a bed and a large machine with a large lamp on it was placed over his body. There were no people in the room. Credo entered and stood over Firo.

Credo: You have gone past the point of no return. This will also be the most difficult stage. We are about to seal the energy inside of your body. Please, try to stay alive.

Firo: I *pant* WON'T die... *pant*

Credo walked out. The lamp above Firo lit up a purple color. It shut off, and then came on again over and over. Each time it came on, the intensity increased. It burned Firo's skin with each flash. His veins started showing through his skin. Firo was writhing in pain again. The light kept flashing. Soon Firo was bleeding heavily. His body was spurting blood from various places. His old wounds opened wide and he screamed loudly. This continued for around an hour. When Credo walked back in, he found Firo's charred body on the table with steam coming out of his open mouth.

Credo: I warned him...

Credo turned to walk away but Firo's hand jutted out and grabbed his arm tightly.

Firo: ... I... said... I... wouldn't ... die...

Back in the city crime was higher than ever and the Federation was hard pressed to fight them with only 2 satellites remaining for surveillance and communication. A robbery was taking place and the criminals were fleeing the police. They were about to take to the skies when there was a dark blur and the driver was gone. The accomplices looked around and spotted someone standing outside holding the driver by his collar. The person wore a black body suit with a glowing chest plate and gloves. One of the criminals scurried into the driver's seat and tried to take off before noticing the engine was outside on the ground too.

Matt: And I think that about wraps this up. Hm, and this gear is pretty boss so far. Well, I'm outta here. I'm, actually on the run from the cops as much as you losers are. But, I have to get to the bottom of all this crap...

As he said that, he felt a breeze on his left side.

Firo: Well haven't you become quite a do-gooder.

Matt quickly turned and saw no one. The criminal was also gone from his hand. He looked around and spotted someone standing on top of a nearby building. The criminal was lying at his feet.

Matt: Firo? Firo!

Firo: Matt... I told you I'd see you soon...

Matt: How did you...

Firo: Become like you? The details aren't important.

Matt: So, what are you going to do now? You gonna help me find out what the hell really happened?

Firo: HAHAHA! Crap like that isn't important anymore. The only thing that matters ... is power. For example, I can use this power to make sure this filth's hand's never steal again.

Firo slammed his foot on the criminal's chest. The man woke up dazed and started squirming. Firo reached down and grabbed him by the wrist and started to pull. The criminal began to feverishly cry out in pain. Firo kept pulling until the arm was completely ripped off. Blood sprayed everywhere and splattered Firo's face. The accomplices started to panic and scrambled out of the car. Matt was dumbstruck.

Matt: Wh... WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO?!

Firo: YAAAHAHAHAHAHA!

The criminal was rolling around, squealing in pain. Firo tossed the bloody arm aside and kicked the man over the edge of the building. Matt dashed over and caught him before he hit the ground. The man convulsed for a few seconds before bleeding out and dying.

Matt: Why did you do that... WHYYY?!

Firo: HAHAHA! What's the matter bro? Is there a problem with getting rid of vermin?

Matt: You shouldn't have...

Firo: What? Shouldn't have what? Killed this little crap? Ha! And I thought I was the naive one.

Matt: What... what happened to you Firo?

Firo: Hmhm, you would be surprised at the parts of yourself you discover... when your forced to kill over 30 people with your bare hands.

Matt: ... you...

Firo: Yes, if it wasn't for this attitude I developed, I would have died in that hole a long time ago. But look at what how it turned out. The rest of my time in there was actually a breeze when the fools were finally too afraid to try and fight me anymore. Power can change any situation.

Matt: It's not right...

Firo: OH! So you would have preferred I lay down and die? That I let those animals devour me? That I let you go through that hell for nothing?

Matt: ...

Firo: Hmph! Exact...

Matt: Your full of crap...

Firo: Huh?

Matt: I said... your full of CRAP! It doesn't sound like you were powerful to me... it ... sounds like you were afraid!

Firo glared at Matt with great intensity.

Firo: I wish I could have avoided this... but it looks like I'll have to show you what true power is.

Firo disappeared from the building and appeared closer to Matt on the street. The two looked at each other harshly. There was silence. Then they both disappeared from their spots and reappeared grappling with each other. The ground beneath them was cracking with each passing second. They both split up again and disappeared. Across the surrounding city blocks, blurs and flashes of the two could be seen as they clashed with one another again and again. They stopped and were grappling once again. Suddenly Matt's eyes started to glow bright blue again and he started to overtake Firo. However, Firo's eyes started to glow violet with small charges of electricity.

Matt: What the...

Firo: Hehe!

Firo pushed back and drove himself and Matt into a nearby building.

Matt: Firo... we have to stop this. There are still people in the area. They could get hurt!

Firo: NNYYAAAAAGGGHHH!

Firo pushed even harder and drove Matt through the wall and 3 more buildings behind it. People scrambled in fear as the two struggled. Firo was getting the upper hand when he suddenly started to cough uncontrollably. Matt took the opportunity to grab him and jumped to an empty garden just outside of the city, the one where they first met. When he landed, Matt slammed Firo into the ground and made a small crater. Firo rolled over onto his front and raised himself up, coughing up large amounts of blood.

Matt: Firo... stop this... please...

Firo finally stood up and looked at Matt for a moment. He had a sad look in his eyes. Matt took a step toward him but Firo extended his hand and let out an enormous wave of energy. When the smoke cleared, Matt was standing in a field of ashes. Firo was gone. Matt looked up at the sky.

Matt: Firo... I will bring you back... one day...

TO BE CONTINUED ...

8: Ultimate Hero Crisis 8: The Fallen One

Matt stood on the edge of the crater, looking down on Firo. Firo was looking back up at him with a wild grin.

Firo: Hey there pal. Ahaha.

Ultiman: Firo...

Firo: Oh, I know! You must be welling up with emotion right now. Hardly able to contain your joy from seeing your best bud, right?

Ultiman: ... what did you do to yourself?

Firo: What? You mean this little cosmetic trouble I'm having? It's nothing too major. All I did was finish what I started...

Ultiman: I still don't understand how it came to this.

Firo: Is that so? Well, you will very soon. I guarantee it.

As he said this, Firo disappeared from where he stood and reappeared right behind Matt.

Ultiman: I friggin hate it when you do that...

Firo turned around with a strong kick. Matt managed blocked it with his arm just in time but he skidded back several yards. Firo put his leg down and grinned at Matt again. From under his collar, a red and black visor came up and covered the bottom half of Firo's face. Matt silently took a fighting stance. Firo slowly took a couple of steps and then sped toward Matt. When he reached Matt he took a swing but Matt blocked. However, Firo kept speeding past. Matt turned around just in time to see Firo speed back toward him again. He leaned back and narrowly avoided a direct hit. Firo skidded to a stop a short way away from Matt. His voice was slightly warped from the visor.

Firo: Ahaha, alrighty then, how about...

Firo clenched his fists for a seconds and when he opened them dark, beast-like nails had formed on his fingertips. He then slowly bent over and took a runner's stance, digging his fingers into the ground. Matt had a puzzled look on his face. Firo paused for a moment and then took off at incredible speed right at Matt. Matt dodged again. But this time, he had four small scratch marks on his forearm. He looked at it for a moment is shock. Firo sped past like before, but this time, drifted across the ground with his sharp nails. He proceeded to barrage Matt with countless similar attacks. Afterimages of Firo could be seen all around the area. Matt was dodging and blocking countless times but he was still hit on his side, his leg, and shoulder. However, as Firo came in for another attack. He managed to grab his arm. Matt raised his other arm to punch Firo, but Firo caught the attack. The two grappled for a moment. Matt then managed to grab Firo by his collar and tried to throw him. However, Firo grabbed onto Matt's cape flipped around and threw Matt into the air. Matt spun through the air for a moment and then caught himself in flight. He hovered in the air for a moment. Firo motioned for Matt to come at him.

Ultiman: Tch! Rotten bastard...

Matt flew up a bit higher and then took a hard dive at Firo. Firo took a horse stance and waited for Matt to hit him. They collided and dust flew up everywhere. They were evenly matched for a second. However, Matt started to push Firo back little by little. Firo's body started to glow and he was pushing back once more.

Ultiman: Not this time dammit!

Matt started to glow even brighter and Firo's legs completely gave out. Matt pushed Firo back for miles each second, leaving a large trail in the ground as they went. They came to a cliff and plowed directly into it. On impact, it cracked all the way up to it's peak and then collapsed on top of them. The two lie in the rubble silently for a short time. Then they both got up.

Ultiman: Firo, you have to stop with this. Fighting like this is pointless.

Firo: Pointless? No, we're testing the limits of our strength. Two gods of destruction, letting our power collide and enjoying the show. What could have more meaning? Ahaha!

Ultiman: That's crap. What the hell are you really after? What have you been chasing down this dark path of yours all this time?

Firo: Simple, power.

Ultiman: TELL ME DAMN IT!!!

Firo: It's true. That's all I want. Raw, unassailable power.

Ultiman: If that's true, then you really have changed. Since when did you have such a simple minded goal?

Firo: Since I figured out that it's the only thing that matters in this disgusting world. Without it, your will is meaningless and your actions are futile. Without power, your worthless.

Ultiman: It's true that weak people can't do much. But that's no reason to act like a monster.

Firo: You still don't get it, do you. *Sigh* I guess I can't blame you. You were handed unyielding power on a silver platter. Truly a miracle if there ever was one. Even as a child, you were blessed with strength. You haven't a clue of what it's like to live below that barrier. To be forced to either claw your way up, or fall and die like trash. If you'd lived in hell like I have all my life, you'd see my point.

Ultiman: Lived in hell all your life? What do you...

Firo: Ahahaha! Yes, it wasn't just my imprisonment that showed me this. It only served to bring it to clear any doubts I had about it and release me from the constraints holding me back from obtaining this power.

Damnation

Day 1

Firo was lead by the guards into the dungeon and released. The gate shut behind him and he was alone. The corridor was lit by barely burning torches. He could barely see. He walked over to a nearby wall and made his way down a long corridor. I wasn't long before he saw some shadows up ahead. They looked like people but he could barely tell. They then all of the stepped out into the dim light. There were both men and women with dirty sunken faces walking toward him with small bladed weapons.

Prisoner: Welcome to hell!

Firo: I... I don't want any trouble.

Prisoner: Aww, you hear that? He doesn't want trouble. Listen kid, you had trouble the second you were unlucky enough to get thrown down here.

Firo took a couple of steps back but then sprinted toward them. Just before reaching them, he jumped up, kicked off the wall and flew over the crowd. He landed behind them and kept running. They chased him but he lost them shortly after. He soon found himself coming to a dim torch-lit courtyard. He sidled against the wall and peered out to find no one in sight. Firo slowly stepped out from cover only to hear a noise from up above. He stepped back just in time as a dagger came plummeting toward him. Suddenly, several hooded figures dropped down from the unlit ceiling one after another. Firo backed up slightly but then felt a sharp pain in his lower back. He looked behind him to find another hooded figure standing right behind him with a dagger in hand. The assailant then kicked Firo forward onto the ground out in the open. One of the figures approached him. Firo looked up to find the person wearing a hand carved skull mask.

Phantom #1: You have two options outsider. I will give you a 1 day head start. You will run down that tunnel behind me into this dungeon's labyrinth. In 24 hours, we will hunt you. We will kill you. Or you can choose to die in that very spot.

Firo: Who are you? And what the hell is this place?

Phantom #2: We have long abandoned such things as names down here. We are simply hunters. Nothing more. And this is a prison known only as Hades.

Firo: But why hunt each other? What could you possibly gain from that?

Phantom #1: If we stayed static for all of our depressing lives in this place, we would die after a short time. We must keep the tradition of the strong hunting the weak.

Firo: I still don't...

Phantom #3: The water that seeps down after the rain is murky and causes illness to normal humans. But we have been down here for so long, that it is no issue to us. We are the strong that were chosen to live. However, we must also devour our prey in order to survive. In here, we've been reduced to animals. This is why only the strongest of us can live.

Firo: You'd eat another human being just to live out your wretched lives? ...your... Your all monsters!

Phantom 2: We've talked enough outsider. Make your choice.

Firo looked at the ground for a moment in disbelief, wondering if this was reality. He then slowly got up, holding his side. He looked around for a moment at the hooded figures who stood as still and silent as stone statues, staring at him through their skull masks. Firo carefully walked through the horde, down the dark tunnel behind them. He paused and looked back into the clearing only to find all the phantoms vanished without a trace. He turned back around and disappeared into the darkness.

Day 2

Firo woke up. He was propped up against a pile of loose stones in a small dark corner of the labyrinth. He felt his side to find that his wound had almost completely healed up. He was looking down in amazement when he heard a noise from nearby. He jolted upright and looked around quickly. He grabbed a baseball sized rock from the floor and held it at the ready.

Firo: Who's there?!

Prisoner: Hey, so you the new arrival I heard about?

Firo: Huh? Who are you?

Prisoner: I'm their prey, just like you.

A middle aged man in raggedy burlap clothing stepped out of the shadows. His face was a bit sunken and he had large bags under his eyes.

Firo: Damn. This is so messed up. There has to be a way out of this place.

Prisoner: Believe me, many of us have tried but not a single one of us has ever made it out of here alive. And with those devils running around killing us, just staying alive each day is hard enough. Some of us are the Federation's political prisoners and others are just scrapped test subjects. Those are usually the ones who go nuts first. Either way, that is the society we have here in Hades.

Firo: Then, how does anyone survive here? With conditions like this, maintaining a population isn't possible. 

Prisoner: We have a hidden camp down here that those hooded bastards can't find. We farm edible fungi and purify drip down water.

Firo: ... so why? Why do you work so hard to stay alive when your chances of making it out of here are so slim.

Prisoner: Well, we believe that some way, some how, we can make it out of here alive. That one day, we'll see the sun again. There are many that choose not to believe in this and succumb to that kill or be killed madness that those freaks are spewing. But... I choose to believe in this dream.

The prisoner looked at Firo and managed a surprising smile. Firo looked at him in astonishment for a moment and then smiled back.

Prisoner: What's your name young man?

Firo: I'm Firo. It's nice to meet you.

Prisoner: Likewise. My name is...

As he said this, a dagger flew out of the shadows and hit the prisoner in his eye. He howled in pain and fell to the ground rolling around.

Phantom: Foolish old man. We told you. Names don't exist in this place. Only strength. You have none, so your nothing.

The figure started walking over toward the prisoner. Firo ran at the Phantom with the rock in his hand but he ducked and came back up with a roundhouse kick to Firo's face. He flew a few feet and landed on the floor. The phantom walked over to the man and grabbed him by his hair, lifting him up from the ground. The dagger fell out of his eye socket and blood gushed down his face. Firo was struggling to get to his feet.

Phantom: You have no strength. So your nothing. Your life will now serve the lives of the strong.

From under his cloak, the figure brandished a large machete with dried blood all over it. He pulled his arm back to ready for a slash.

Prisoner: ... my... name... is...

Firo: NOOOOOOOOO!

The phantom swung and cut the prisoner's head clean off. His body plopped to the floor and bled out heavily from the neck. The phantom held the head in his hand for a moment and then tossed it aside. He crouched down and put the body over his shoulder. Firo looked down in silence for a moment. He then clenched him hands and gritted his teeth incredibly hard. He grabbed the rock and ran at the phantom again, yelling loudly but he just jumped back and disappeared in the shadows once more.

Phantom: It's not your time to die yet. You still have time before we come to take your life. Tic... toc...

The phantom's voice was gone and Firo was alone. He stood there for a moment, staring at the ground. He then dropped to his knees clutching his head and gritting his teeth.

Firo: Damn them... damn them... damn them... damn them... DAMN THEM!!!!

Day 4

Firo was slowly walking the labyrinth aimlessly.

Firo: * I've been walking for 2 days... I'm not hungry yet... I haven't slept since then... My wound is gone... What the hell is going on...*

There was a sound coming from behind him. However, Firo kept walking like nothing happened. All of the sudden a prisoner lept out at him. Firo leaned to the side as if he was falling over for a moment. The prisoner pulled out a shiv. Firo looked back at him with an apathetic expression.

Firo: ... another one...

Prisoner: Mmm, looks like I'm eatin good tonight!

Firo: You know, it's people like you... who made this place the way it is. You've created your own hell... and I pity you...

The prisoner looked as if he heard nothing and then ran at Firo again. Firo dodged his wild swings and then grabbed the man's hand, forcing him to let go of the weapon. The man stumbled back for a second and then ran at Firo again with a growling noise but Firo hit him square in the face with the back of his fist. The prisoner fell down, got back up, and then scurried off into the darkness. Firo started walking again only to stop seeing a cloaked figure in the distance.

Phantom: Your time is up. We've found you, and now you'll die.

3 phantoms stepped out into the dim torch light. Firo readied himself to fight. They all came ran at him with great speed and coordination. Firo swung at one but he dodged. The other two took out their daggers and stabbed at him. Firo jumped back but the first one lunged at him and stabbed him in the stomach. He fell to the ground with the blade in him. The other two leapt over the first one and plunged their daggers into his chest.

Phantom: It is as we said. The weak yield to the strong and get devoured.

Firo looked up at the dark ceiling. Their words echoed in his head over and over and over again. He thought about the prisoner that they killed. He thought about Matt being physically superior to him. He thought back to the childhood bullies who took his pocket watch. Their words kept echoing until...

Firo: You know what? Yeah. Your right. The strong do stand above the weak. Your absolutely right... I guess that's why... I'll have to show you how far above you I am..

Firo gritted his teeth and started to sit up with the phantoms still pressing their daggers into him. They pushed back but he kept rising until he was standing up. They let go of the daggers and backed up. They pulled out their machetes and swung at him but he caught their blades with his fingertips and broke them. Before they could do anything he hit them all square in the face and they hit the ground. Their masks broke to reveal almost sub human faces with horribly discolored skin. He looked down on them with hatred.

Phantom: Good... now... become one of us... become the predator... become strong... and live!

Firo: Shut your mouth!

Firo raised his foot and stomped on his face over and over again in rage until he was dead. Countless other phantoms rushed in with weapons at the ready. Firo's head was spinning after realizing what he had just done. There were countless thoughts, memories, and voices flooding his mind. A large group of phantoms swarmed on him. Silence.

Firo: ... maybe just a couple more... that'd be ok... right?

Day 5

A new prisoner walked out into the courtyard. He froze solid at what he saw. There was a mountain of dead phantom and prisoner bodies piled up on the floor. On top, was a single person sitting on the pile like a thrown. Firo jumped down from the top. He was covered in slash and stab wounds but didn't seem to feel them. From the bottom of the pile, he pulled a robe off of a phantom, tore off a piece, and wrapped his hand with it. He then walked toward the prisoner. He was too afraid to move. He tried to run back the way he came but tripped and fell. Firo approached and walked right past him down the tunnel and into the darkness.

Resurrection

Matt stood petrified listening to the story.

Ultiman: Firo... you... I...

Firo: Aahahaha! Yeah, pretty harsh right?

Ultiman: I... I didn't know a place like that even existed.

Firo: Well, it used to. I went back after my... treatment... and pushed the door wide open. The federation dumps their trash in a hole and lets it fester. But what really disgusts me is the sewer rats that hoard together and get high and mighty over drinking some s**t water and eating a few unlucky bastards. I couldn't rest knowing there was a place where people so ignorant of true power were.

Ultiman: True power?

Firo: The power to break any ceiling holding you down or any wall blocking your path, all on your own. I showed them just that. And now I'm gonna show you, cuz your one of those walls for me.

Ultiman: Wha...

Firo sped over to Matt's side.

Firo: Shhh, listen...

Firo grabbed Matt by the face and took off from the rubble. He ran for miles, dragging Matt along with him.

Firo: Going back to what I said about my whole life being hell, if I was the damned, my friends and family would be the demons. My father was one for constantly reminding me of what I could never be ever since I was a kid, EVERY... SINGLE... DAY! You were one for always looking down on me and disguising your pity as friendship. You'll understand your actions soon enough. And I was one for allowing you to and for stupidly believing that just being righteous was enough.

Firo ran for hundreds of miles before coming to a federation mining facility. He charged through the outermost gate and slammed Matt into the power generator. An enormous explosion consumed the area. The workers left their posts and took off immediately. One worker was late coming out of the facility. Firo had gotten up out of the fire close to the worker. He looked at Firo in disbelief. Firo noticed him.

Firo: Hmm? Die.

Firo's eyes glowed and an instant later, everything in his sight violently exploded. However, when the smoke cleared Matt was standing in front of the man. Matt looked behind him and gave the guy a thumbs up. Matt reached out, touched his shoulder and teleported him onto an out bound vehicle.

Ultiman: What the hell man? That guy didn't even do anything!

Firo: After we finish this fight, he would have died anyway. I was just getting him out of the way.

Ultiman: You really are nothing more than a murderer now.

Firo: No, I'm a realist.

Ultiman: I think it's time we get serious. I'm tired of this madness.

Firo: Whatever you say, Ulti-chan.

Ultiman: You know, I think I'll have to kick your ass just a bit harder for that one.

Matt reached up and twisted his first seal. A great deal of energy poured out from him. Earthquakes also shook the region. Firo powered up as well but his energy was outshone by Matt's. In a flash, Matt was right in front of Firo. He was slightly caught off guard. Matt swung at Firo as if he was going to punch him in the face. Firo raised his claws to cover his face. However, in an instant, Matt's fist hit him in the gut. The shockwave tore up the land behind them forming a small canyon. Firo bent over slightly allowing Matt to grab him by the head and slam his knee into his face. After this hit, all of the clouds in the area scattered and the canyon widened. Firo finally managed to gain composure only to find Matt gone. He looked around to see something in the far distance. Matt stood several miles away from Firo who blankly looked at him. Before he could see, Matt crossed the distance again and collided with Firo with an arrow kick to the chest. All the air was knocked out of Firo before he flew through the air for thousands of miles. He traveled so fast that the ground below him gave way. Firo flew through a plateau before coming to a stop at an active volcano. He crashed through the side and magma came flooding out.

Ultiman: Hey! Get the hell up! I thought you were Mr. True strength.

Firo: Nice moves, guy. I think I actually felt something that time. You've definitely gotten tougher. But... as fun as this was... this fight is over now. From this point on, you won't land a single hit on me.

Ultiman: Tough talk from someone who just got hit so hard it changed the weather.

Firo rose from the magma. His body as well as his suit were unharmed. But his whole body was covered in violet colored fire.

Ultiman: Cool trick. But we're done here!

Matt sped over to Firo. Firo didn't move an inch. Matt punched but his hand couldn't pass the fire. He stopped for a moment and then gave a barrage of punches, none of which connected. Finally, Matt put all of his might into a single punch directed at Firo's chest. However, upon connecting with the fire barrier, the part of his suit covering his arm disintegrated, leaving his hand and forearm exposed. He stopped and looked at his hand for a moment.

Firo: AHAHAHAHA! Dumbass! You're really surprised, aren't you?

Ultiman: What is this?

Firo: Simply put, it's my very own dimension. However, I physically manifest it in this dimension and bend it around myself like armor. Within these flames, I control everything. Time, space, physics, matter, all of it. So if I say that your armor can't exist in here, then it won't. So to summarize, you're screwed.

Ultiman: What the hell kind of...

Firo: Oh, don't get scared now. You haven't even seen me at full steam yet, AHAHAHA!

TO BE CONTINUED ...

9: Ultimate Hero Crisis 9: A Distance Too Great for Voices

Matt was at a loss for words. Firo stood motionless, bathed in violet flames and the light of the eruption behind him.

Firo: I heard you've fought some pretty nasty stuff in your time. Well now, you're about to add a god to that list.

Matt: That's bull, you're not...

Firo: AREN'T I?

Firo levitated off the ground. His flames began to swirl violently around him like a hurricane. Debris of all kinds was being drawn to him and then disintegrating as it hit his flames. Matt quickly backed up.

Firo: Don't you run from me!

Firo jutted out his claw and a giant, identical one made of fire shot out from the hurricane. Matt narrowly dodged it and continued to retreat. It viciously came after him, eating up everything in it's path. Matt was about to take off into the air when he saw Firo behind him at the last second. Firo reached for Matt. But there was a flash of light and Matt was gone. He reappeared in the air above Firo. Matt looked down and noticed that a chunk of his armor around his midsection was missing and he was bleeding slightly.

Ultiman: Shoot. That actually hurt...

Firo: Hehe, you're an annoying bastard, you know that?

Ultiman: Look who's talking you damn cheater!

Firo: Whatever. Just remember that you brought this on yourself by coming after me.

Ultiman: I had to. I couldn't let a lunatic like you keep running free. Plus, I already said I was gonna bring you back to Earth.

Firo: Like I'd let you do that.

Ultiman: I said I was going to and that's that. Deal with it pal.

Firo: Fine, we'll do this the hard way. Or should I say the fun way? 

Ultiman: Fun, huh? Well how's this?

Matt held out his hands at Firo.

Ultiman: Time Freeze!

A field of inverted color enveloped the entire area causing all movement to come to a complete halt. The The lava spewing out of the top of the mountain looked as if it was frozen in ice and soot particles hovered in the air. However, the violet flames around Firo kept roaring just the same. After a moment, the began to blaze more strongly and the time field shattered, reverting everything back to normal.

Firo: What the hell was that? Weak sauce bro.

Ultiman: Damn, worth a shot. Alright, looks like I'll have to take a more direct method.

Matt clapped his hands together and light erupted from between them.

Ultiman: Transfer System: Proton Blade!

Matt pulled his hands apart and the sword appeared. He grabbed it and took his stance in midair. Firo calmly grinned at him. Matt sped toward Firo who stood perfectly still. Matt thrusted the blade into Firo's chest but the flames stopped it like a force field. Firo started to chuckle. Matt was silent.

Firo: Didn't I tell you? You can't...

Firo went silent when he saw the tip of the blade start to inch toward toward him through the barrier. He immediately dashed away from Matt.

Ultiman: What's the matter? Scared now that your little trick can't help you anymore?

Firo: Tch!

Ultiman: I thought at first that your armor was gonna be tough to beat. But when I thought about it, the answer came to me. I figured that regardless of what it does, that thing had to be made the same kind of energy that I use, Hyperion. And luckily, my pal Proton Blade here can manipulate and absorb said energy incredibly well. 

Firo: That's not possible. My dimension armor can't be penetrated by anything! Within these flames, my will is absolute!

Ultiman: Tsk tsk. Someone hasn't been doing their homework. I found out a long time ago that when two masses of Hyperion collide, they cancel each other out. Your armor and my blade where just about overflowing with it. It was a shaky concept but it seems to have worked.

Firo: Hmm, looks like your not the same stupid kid you used to be. However, you still can't win. Just because you may be able to get past my armor, that doesn't mean I'll let you. I still have infinitely greater versatility than your little toy.

Ultiman: Let's find out!

Matt lunged at Firo once again and swung. Firo dodged and tried to touch Matt's face. He blocked with the sword and continued his assault. They both unleashed a flurry of evenly matched attacks.Violet fire and light trails from the blade flew in every direction and the ground cracked with every strike. Matt finally grabbed the handle with both hands. The blade grew greatly in size and he lifted it over his head.

Ultiman: This is over!

Firo: Try me!

Matt brought the buster sword down on Firo. It stopped for a split second once it hit the armor and then passed through to hit Firo's body. However, it passed right through as if he wasn't there. Matt stopped and starred. Firo looked back into Matt's eyes with his signature look of madness.

Firo: You seem to have forgotten that I control everything in here. This includes matter density and molecular bonding. And to top it off, I'll be taking the power inside that pretty knife you have there.

As Firo said this, the blue light from the blade dissipated and the blade itself turned to sand. Matt looked down at his empty hilt for a moment and then back to Firo.

Firo: Let's play with kinetic energy now, shall we?

Firo slowly placed his palm on Matt's chest and gently pushed upward. Matt was about to say something when Firo spoke over him.

Firo: Later, loser.

All of the sudden, Matt flew straight up at insane speed. He soared through the gassy red atmosphere and clear out of orbit. He kept flying until he hit the surface of the planet's moon. Matt lay on the surface for a moment. Shortly after, he got up holding his chest and looked back at the planet. He could clearly see the hole he left in the clouds.

Ultiman: You mother...

Back on the planet Firo looked up at the sky with a satisfied look on his face.

Firo: This blue stuff I took tastes like crap. I think I'll give it back...

He then raised his hand toward the moon and pointed his index finger like a gun.

Firo: ... bang...

An enormous blue beam shot from his finger and flew toward the moon. Matt spotted it coming and got out of the area just in time.

Firo: Bang...

Matt was running across the surface at high speed. He saw another coming his way.

Firo: Bang... Bang... Bang, BANG, BANGBANGBANG!

He was approaching the dark side when he saw more more and more beams coming, each taking chunks of the surface with it. Countless trenches formed and mountains came down one by one. The tip of Firo's finger built up energy for a moment and then released. Matt was still running, approaching the daytime side when he saw a blue beam shoot up from the ground on his side. Having been impaled by the last shot, moon finally erupted magma from both sides and exploded. Matt was a great distance away watching the debris drift apart. He grit his teeth and then took off back to the planet. He dove through the layer of gas, heading straight for the surface. He made his way back to the area he originated from, creating small sonic booms with each change of direction. He found Firo and flew directly at him. Firo reached up with both hands and sent two giant flame claws at him. Matt put his hands together and created a mass of Hyperion. He dove directly into the claws, using the energy as a shield. He managed to push past the claws and made it to Firo.

Firo: What are you gonna do? With your little blade, gone your helpless. My armor...

Ultiman: LIKE HELL! I said I've already got your LITTLE TRICK BEAT!

Matt created smaller energy balls with each of his hands. He stretched out his arms to either side and clapped them together on Firo's head. The energies reacted violently and exploded almost instantly. Everything in the area was gone in a great flash. The ground was smoking and there were fires scattered around. Both Matt and Firo were smoking. Matt was breathing heavily, standing over Firo who was on the ground, slightly dazed. The dimension armor was gone. His eyes found Matt locked onto his scornful face.

Firo: Do you think... that that was enough... to stop me? I barely felt it. Plus... I can just make it again. No matter what you do... it's completely pointless.

Ultiman: Well let's try this, and then tell me it's pointless.

Matt pulled out the hilt of his Proton Blade. Firo had a puzzled look. Matt gripped the handle tightly. Energy shot out of the hilt and took the form of a katana.

Firo: Nooo!

Firo reached out his right hand and tried to fire a blast of energy at Matt. But without hesitation, Matt swung the sword and slashed his arm off. It ploped down behind Firo, the fingers still twitching and blood spurting out of the place of severance.

Ultiman: No Firo. I'm not playing this game with you anymore.

Firo looked completely caught off guard. He looked at his severed arm in disbelief for a moment before screaming and writhing in pain. Matt then turned the sword upside down and plunged the blade through his stomach, pinning Firo to the ground with the sword. As it ran deep into the ground, it seared Firo's flesh who screamed even louder.

Firo: NYYAAAAAAGGGGHHHH! YOU BASTARD! I'll DESTROY YOU FOR THIS! AAAGGGGHHH! I'll RIP YOUR DAMN HEAD OFF!

Ultiman: Hmm, that's nice. Now stream!

As he said this, a beam of violet Hyperion shot out of the back of the sword and into the sky. Firo stopped squirming, simply staring at the stream of light. He began to look as if he was unable to breath as his strength slowly faded.

Firo: What is this? What are you doing to me?

Ultiman: I'm draining all of your energy. This is the fastest way to get rid of all of it. You won't be able to move for a while but after I get you back to Earth you'll be fine. It's like I said, I'm bringing this to an end.

Matt kneeled down beside Firo and took off his helmet. He had a sad expression on his face.

Matt: Firo... I'm sorry that this all had to happen. A day hasn't gone by where I didn't regret letting this happen to you. With this power I could have done something. Anything. I was your friend, and I let you go through so much. Please... Forgive me!

Firo stared at Matt blankly for a moment. He bursted into insane laughter.

Firo: Forgive? Ahaha! You and I both know *cough* that we are far past the point of forgiveness!

Matt was silent for a moment. However, his expression only got more positive.

Matt: Then... we'll face our sins together!

Matt gave Firo a warm smile, the first one he'd seen in a long time. He grinned back.

Firo: Heh, it's just like you to say something like that. Looks like you actually haven't changed at all.

Matt: No, you're wrong. That's something you would have said... back then.

Firo: ... I guess you're right. In that case, we've both changed a lot.

Matt: Ha, you think?

The two chuckled lightly.

Firo: But... I'm not quite finished yet, so I won't be taking your offer. Sorry old friend...

Firo's severed arm started squirming. It turned toward Matt and pointed one finger at him. A beam of violet energy shot out at Matt's head. He saw it at the last second and managed to move his head out of the way, though the beam grazed his cheek and left a cut. Matt got up and shot an energy blast at the hand. As he did this, Firo managed to reach up and grab the sword holding him down. The handle burned his hand but Firo's grip didn't loosen. He pulled the blade out of the ground and got up. Matt saw him but it was too late. Firo slashed Matt deeply across the chest. The armor on his torso along with the limiter seals fell to the ground.

Firo: And with that, I've won. That's right, I know how you operate. This suit is the conduit through which you use pretty much all of you powers. And these seals limit and control how much you use, allowing you to control it. But without it, you won't be able to harness any of it, leaving you powerless.

Matt: ...man ... you're such a FRIGGIN DUMBASS!

Matt was infuriated. He grabbed the sword by the blade and the entire thing shattered. He then grit his teeth, leaned back, and then came back forward with a brutal headbutt. The impact left the two in a large crater. Firo retreated holding his forehead. Matt walked out of the crater, overflowing in blue energy. The remainder of his armor was falling off and the ground under him cracked with each step.

Firo: But how...

Matt: You got some of it right. My suit does allow me to use my more complex powers. It's a supercomputer that takes the energy I give it, and applies it however I want. And yeah, my limiters let me control the energy more carefully. However, breaking them didn't do you any favors. It's not that I can't use my energy now. I just can't control it is all. All you've done ... is force me kick your ass exponentially harder. 

TO BE CONTINUED...

10: Ultimate Hero Crisis 10: Chaos

Matt was overflowing with blue energy. The ground shook and the clouds parted above him.

Firo: Damn! That bastard Credo lied to me...

Matt: What wazzat?

Firo: Nothing...

Firo slowly started walking toward his severed arm.

Firo: Don't think that you've beaten me just yet. I admit that you're tougher than I expected. But as long as I can stand, this isn't over.

Firo made it over to his arm. It was still smoking and the forearm was broken. Firo put the severed end back together with what was left of it on his body and held it still for a moment. The wretched arm twitched and then began to heal with the sound of peeling skin and cracking bones. Firo released it and moved the arm on its own. He then looked back to Matt.

Matt: As long as you can stand? Oh, man. You shouldn't have said that.

Firo readied himself to fight again. However, by the time he took his stance Matt was already in front of him. By the time Firo could comprehend what happened Matt punched him in the stomach and sped backwards for hundreds of miles. After Firo was gone, the ground where Matt was standing before suddenly exploded with his footprints. Firo was still skidding across the ground like a stone on water. He had a fist sized hole through his mid section that closed up quickly. He finally managed to slow himself to a stop. But Matt was once again in front of him before he could see it. This time, Matt sped through with a clothesline. It caught Firo under his jaw and broke his face mask. Firo violently spun in place in the air and then hit the ground hard. Matt kept going for miles. Firo slowly got up off the ground. He looked down to find all the flesh missing from his jaw. His skin was smoking and blood was spurting out from his mouth. However, within seconds, it all grew back. Matt dug his heels intothe ground and managed to slow down. He then turned around and tookoff again in the opposite direction. The shock wave left a destroyed region in his wake. He went towards Firo again but this time, he completely missed and ended up going past.

Matt: Crap, I'm going too fast! I can barely take a step without blasting through 100 miles.

Matt finally pulled to a complete stop.

Matt: I've got to get a grip on this. Come on!

Matt tensed up and started groaning in pain.

Matt: Come on damn it!

The energy started to stream more calmly from his body and the quaking died down. He finally loosened up and sighed with relief. Matt turned back around and saw Firo charging at him from a distance. Firo charged up energy as he approached. It quickly increased in size and then turned black.

Firo: I'm not nearly done yet. So try this! GRIM ... HOOOOWL!

The energy took the form of a giant fiery wolf and engulfed Matt. The area was covered in darkness. But then, a bright blue light shined through and Matt's energy blasted through. Firo sprang from the darkness and aimed a claw at Matt's face. However, Matt disappeared like a hologram and instantly reappeared a couple inches to the left. He then tapped Firo on the forehead with his index finger and pushed him down to the ground, leaving them in a small crater.

Matt: Give up yet?

Firo lay silent for a moment. He then opened his eyes.

Firo: DEATH DRAGON!

Firo opened his mouth wide and a black dragon shot out at Matt.The dragon washed over Matt. It started to lift him off the ground. But Matt simply pressed a little bit harder with his finger. Firo lay spread eagle on the ground with Matt's fingerprint burnt into his skull.

Firo: So, this is what you really are. Some kind of monster...

Matt: I'm a monster? Dude, have you seen yourself? Your like some kind of zombie. And by the way, what's this black crap you keep spewing out? It's different from your normal energy.

Firo: It's my back-up supply. Though you drained out most of my power earlier, I'm still able to use this bit I tucked away for just such an occasion.

Matt: Oh, I get it. You really are getting desperate. And I as I predicted, that Dimension Armor of yours eats up a ton of power. Power that you don't have anymore.

Firo: Desperation is for those who are afraid. I fear nothing!

Matt: Good. It'd be a shame if you wet yourself or something. AAAAGGGH!

Matt's energy started to flux again and blaze even more wildly then before. Firo was surprised at first, but he then smiled.

Firo: Ha! I knew it. Not even you can control that much power all by yourself.

Matt: Shut up!

Firo: I may not even have to do much else. You'll probably explode and die all by yourself! Ahaha!

Matt: Not before I help you. I'll keep going as long as it takes to get you back to normal!

Firo got an angry scowl on his face.

Firo: ...this... this is why I have to annihilate you! I will NEVER let you take what I went through so much for!

Firo jumped into the air and flew out of sight. He ascended through the clouds and through the atmosphere. He found the chunks of the moon left over from his last assault. His eyes glowed red for a second. The pieces began to make their way into the planets pull and fell to the surface. A vast meteor shower came down, directed primarily at Matt. However, his expanding energy field vaporized them all long before they got near him. Firo found the largest piece and motioned with his hand. It along with all the other orbital debris made their way down. Matt stared up at the sky. The meteor was closing in quickly.

Matt: *Sigh* Not this again...

Matt allowed it to get close to him and then kicked it. It broke and was reduced to minor stones showering the area. Firo saw and got even angrier. He then spotted the planet's second moon. Matt looked a little surprised. He tried to move but his energy fluxed more and he stopped for a moment, holding his body in pain. The surface of the moon filled the sky and the temperature began rising exponentially. Debris from the ground started to move with the changing gravity. Matt finally gathered himself and jumped right at the moon, his energy propelling him like a rocket. He flew into it, pushing as hard as he could. The moon slowed down slightly but kept making it's way to the surface. Matt's body was giving out as the moon made it's way to the top of the tallest mountains which began crumbling away. Matt finally pushed back as hard as he could. His energy rocket became massive and was visible to even Firo. The moon went backward and back past orbit. Matt let it go and began to fall back to the surface. However, Firo made his way to it and started the process over again.

Firo: Way to go. Now let's see if you can do it again!

But almost immediately, Matt fired a blast at it and destroyed it completely. The force of the blast shot Matt back down to the ground at incredible speed. He let himself land close to a shore on the freshly made ocean of magma. The planet was barely holding on. He lay still, breathing heavily, and trying to pull back his power. Shortly after Firo landed close to, also trying to catch his breath. He walked over to Matt and craned over him. The two looked at each other in silence for a moment.

Firo: *pant pant pant* So...

Matt: *pant pant pant pant* ...

Firo: How does it feel *pant* to finally be the one being looked down on? Especially *pant* by the one you always thought was beneath you?

Matt: *pant* I never *pant* ...

Firo: You always thought you were superior to me! And I could never figure out why. So I constantly tried my best at everything I did, just so I could make you acknowledge me. But you never did...

Matt: Acknowledge you?

Firo: It soon became obvious to me that no matter what I did, I would forever in your eyes be that kid that needed protecting. It always made me sick to my stomach just thinking about it. But I never said anything. Because we were, "friends"... I figured now would be the best time to bring it... since your going to die soon.

Matt quickly jumped to his feet.

Matt: Wrong. You'll have to do a lot more than throwing some rocks at me to bring me down. And as I recall, your out of power.

As he said this, Firo began laughing very hard.

Firo: So I see you can't tell how badly you've been beaten yet. I guess I've played it off enough, so I can let you see for yourself.

Small patches of black fire sprung up in various places all around the area, including on Matt. It was slowly engulfing a vast area. Matt tried putting his flames out but it was no use. Before long, the fire stretched as far as could be seen. The fire then caught onto Firo and engulfed him like a cloak.

Firo: AHAHAHA!

Matt: That's not possible. What is this?!

Firo: That black fire wasn't just my backup plan. It was my ace in the hole. Not only work similarly to my normal attacks, but it also comes with a nasty trick to it. After the flames disburse, they leave behind microscopic particles in the air that I like to call Wisps. And then, these Wisps cling on to anything they touch and multiply by the second! And then, whenever I feel like it, I can make each one ignite back into flames. But here's the best part! Since they are made from my own energy, I can control them and do anything I please, including take them back into myself in order to restore my power supply! Yes, infinite power!

Matt: Don't get too far ahead of yourself. You still don't have anything that can really help you here.

Firo: Hmm, still not seeing the big picture? Fine, let me show you this...

As he said this, all of the flames turned violet. The flames were still spreading and had covered an entire hemisphere.

Firo: This is the potential of my Dimension Armor. I've turned this planet into my personal domain.

Firo rewound the event that had taken place on the planet. The space debris put it self back together as it shot back out into orbit. The magma receded and turned back into stone. The evidence of their fight was gone.

Firo: Better yet...

Firo turned the barren landscape into a pleasant garden, identical to the one in Haven City back on Earth where the two grew up. He then extended his reach to the sky and changed the weather to a light drizzle.

Firo: What better place to end this is there?

Matt looked around with dismay. Firo's flames engulfed Matt and drained off all of his excess energy in moments. Matt did nothing as the flames swirled around him.

Firo: ... I... won... Aha... I won! I won, I WON! I finally won! AHAHAHAHA! I've beaten you. Not even you can best this power! Do you see my strength now, bastard?! And now, not only am I above you, but I'm now the top of the universe! NO ONE can challenge me!

Matt: So now that you have what you want, ... can you finally come back with me? If I apologize for underestimating you, and for treating you like you were less than me, will you please return?

Firo: I don't want your apologies or your acceptance as an equal anymore. All I want is for you to die...

Matt: Firo...

As he said this, Matt began to scream in pain again. He fell to the ground and curled up shaking. His energy started flowing out again. It kept increasing in size steadily. Firo tried to clasp him in the armor again but Matt's aura viciously fought it off.

Matt: Firo! Stop! You... have to get away from here! I'm going critical! RRAAAAAGGGHHH!

The energy got even more violent and vaporized Firo's garden. Firo was in shock. Another wave of energy came and hit Firo like a whip. A small bit of his mid section was taken off. Matt got to his knees, trying his hardest to contain it all.

Firo: What is this? I was winning... I had finally won... I... I... NOOOOOO! I can't lose now! I AM the strongest!

Firo covered himself in his armor completely and charged at Matt.

Firo: We are going to settle this right now! Come on Matt, let's GOOOO!

Matt: Don't come any closer! No, please Firo! FIRO!

Firo made his way to Matt. His Dimension Armor held up for only an instant before it was torn apart, leaving Firo exposed. Matt and Firo looked each other in the eye. They both looked sad. No words were said. That one moment seemed to last for an eternity. Finally, Firo mouthed something inaudible to Matt. Matt reached out his hand to grab Firo's, but he had already disintegrated and was gone. Matt sat there motionless with a blank look on his face and tears streaming down. He then grabbed his head and started screaming extremely loudly. The energy was now exploding out of him and shaking the very planet apart. He finally let out one final burst that blasted the world apart. Matt floated unconscious through what was left of the planet. Most of the power had been used up but there was still some pulsing through his body. Matt opened up his eyes for about a second before passing out again. There was complete silence.

?: ... what the hell kind of hero am I?

TO BE CONTINUED...

11: Ultimate Hero Crisis 11: Into Dusk

Firo: WE ARE GOING TO SETTLE THIS RIGHT NOW! COME ON MATT, LET'S GOOOO!

Matt: DON'T COME ANY CLOSER! NOOO, PLEASE! FIRO! FIROOOOO!

Firo made his way to Matt. His Dimension Armor held up for only an instant before it was torn apart, leaving Firo exposed. Matt and Firo looked each other in the eye. They both looked sad. No words were said. That one moment seemed to last for an eternity. Finally, Firo mouthed something inaudible to Matt. Matt reached out his hand to grab Firo's but...

Matt woke up in what looked like a hospital bed. The room was dimly lit and there were no windows. He looked down and there was a new system of power seals on his chest.

?: It's about time you woke up.

Standing in the doorway was Captain Palmer. He slowly walked into the room.

Matt: So it was you...

Palmer: Yes. That was quite a fight you had. It reduced one of our most valuable mining planets to nothing. The survivors had quite a bit of explaining to do.

Matt: ...

Palmer: I see that the outcome is weighing heavily on you. I told you not to go looking for that person.

Matt: What else was I supposed to do? I found the one thing that I was looking for all this time. But...

Palmer: Guilt is a great burden. I know that all too well. But cases like this can't be solved so easily through words.

Matt: If only I was better prepared. I could have done more. But instead ... I killed him.

The captain turned away from Matt.

Palmer: Maybe... that was the best thing you could have done for him.

When he heard this, Matt perked up. He jumped out of the bed and grabbed Troy by his collar, slamming him against the wall.

Matt: What the f**k did you say?!

Matt's wild, enraged eyes met Troy's unfeeling and indifferent eyes. After a moment, Matt dropped him.

Matt: Just leave me the hell alone.

Matt walked out of the room leaving Palmer standing there, straightening his collar. At that moment a soldier ran into the room.

Soldier: Captain, what happened? Are you alright?

Palmer: Open all of the security doors to the facility.

Soldier: Sir, but why?

From down the hall a grunt and a crunching of metal could be heard.

Palmer: That's why.

In a meeting room in another part of the facility, the rest of the crew sat around a conference table waiting for the final member to show up.

Harding: I wonder where the captain is.

Anderson: Yeah, it's odd for him to keep others waiting. Something must have come up.

Heiwajima: It probably has something to do with that guy. I'm pretty sure that the captain brought him to this place himself after recovering him.

Lekhram: zzzzzzzzz...

Anderson: Lekhram, wake up! The captain could arrive at any moment.

Lekhram: Huh? Whatever. Not like he can discharge me or anything being the combat specialist he needs.

Heiwajima: Hmph...

Lekhram: Yo, got a problem?

Heiwajima: No. It's just that you seem to think very highly of yourself even though all you do is fire guns.

Lekhram: Hehe, and just what are you saying?

Heiwajima: I'm saying that you probably can't fight without hiding behind a weapon of some sort. Either that or your too afraid to.

Lekhram got up and slammed one foot on the table. He had a large smile on his face.

Lekhram: Oh, yeah? You wanna test that theory?

Harding: Seriously, stop you two!

Heiwajima stood up as well.

Heiwajima: I'd love to...

Palmer: Can you save this for later?

The two sat down again.

Palmer: We have received reports that someone within the federation has infringed their clearance rights and breached multiple levels of automated activity controls across the world. However, they haven't done anything with it at this time. As this is a matter of global security, we have been tasked with finding the perpetrator and stopping them, whoever they may be.

Heiwajima: I'll put the subordinates from my division on the case immediately. They should be able to find something.

Anderson: We just got back from the last crisis mission. Can they really give us something this big so soon?

Palmer: As the 5 top soldiers in the world, we must be prepared to handle these situations at any time. Anything less is unacceptable.

Lekhram: Ugh, fine. So find the bastards, and then go kick their asses. Let's do it.

On a dark street in town a man runs from a group of thugs. However, they gain on him and corner him. They begin beating him until he's laying on the ground. Matt is walking by the scene, paying no attention to the crime.

Thug: Let's grab all his crap and go!

The gang rummages through the man's pockets, takes his crap, and runs off into the night.

The next day at sunset, Matt is alone on the rooftop of his building.

Matt: I thought I told you to leave me alone.

Palmer: I would have, but I found some things that I really felt you should know.

Matt: Nothing you have to say change anything.

Palmer: Maybe not the past, but it will definitely make you want to think about what you will do in the near future.

The captain went over the discussion he held the previous day.

Palmer: We've now found the ones responsible. Or I should say the one responsible. The mastermind is a single man by the name of Harold Credo.

Hearing that name slightly interested Matt.

Palmer: Being at the head of the Federation does give him certain abilities, but no position in the world can grant a single person authority of the worlds automated military machinery. It looks like he's trying to raise a massive army and start a lone world takeover.

Matt: So stop the guy. That's your job, right?

Palmer: You remember that he and Firo formed a small partnership back at that time. I doubt it ever ended. We found the coordinates of your encounter with Firo in his personal database. He planned the whole thing. He wanted you two to fight.

Matt: What?

Palmer: He was probably hoping that you two would kill each other or make the other a non factor.

Matt: So all this time, he was just using Firo for this messed up plan.

Palmer: But it seems he miscalculated. You're still alive and well. But either way, now he's made his move believing you to be out of the way.

Matt: ...

Palmer: Or maybe he didn't miscalculate. You're suit is gone and your will seems to be broken. So in that regard, it was a complete success.

Matt: Like I said, this is your fight. Handle it yourself.

Palmer: I have no idea what scale that man's plans are on. But I will indeed do everything in my power to see that this ends.

Troy walked over to Matt and handed him a security clearance card and a note.

Palmer: So if you ever become interested in doing the same, go to this place. If you really cared about Firo, this battle is the one way to prove it.

He then walked away. Back at the base, the crew was gearing up for their mission. Lekhram was holstering multiple guns and a couple of small blades. Heiwajima was walking by. They made eye contact for a moment and then carried on. Harding came through the bay doors driving a large combat vehicle. She parked it and got out. Anderson was using multiple computers at once and looking at various streams of data. The captain walked in.

Palmer: Alright everyone, fall in!

The crew lined up.

Palmer: I have already briefed you all on our objective. We will be storming the building in which the director of the Federation resides and arrest him for his numerous crimes against the public. Are there any questions?

Lekhram: Yeah, you know that this is a trap right? It was waaay too easy for us to figure this guy out.

Palmer: I'm well aware. However, with his actions we can't afford to avoid this. We'll take him head on. Now are there any other questions?

All: ...

Palmer: Good! Then load up!

They all finished their preparations and gathered together. The bay doors to the base opened and they watched as countless automated drones swarmed the city.

Palmer: STARTING MISSION NOW!!!

TO BE CONTINUED...

12: Ultimate Hero Crisis 12: Tale of a Gunman

15 years ago
Georgetown, Guyana

Military encampments overran the city. Soldiers walked the streets with semi-automatic weapons in plain sight. Bullet holes and sometimes dead bodies could be seen lining the streets. Four soldiers were walking down a street talking and laughing. When they got to the corner, one soldier threw an empty beer bottle into a messy pile of trash.

Lekhram: Ow! Hey, watch it!

The soldiers quickly looked back to find a boy nestled among the garbage.

Soldier 1: Oh, it's just a kid. Hey, don't you belong in school?

Soldier 2: Does this little rat look like he goes to school?

Soldier 3: He probably can't even spell his name.

Soldier 4: That is, if he has one, hahaha!

The 4 men walked away laughing. The boy gritted his teeth. He picked up the beer bottle and hurled it back at the one who threw it as hard as he could. It hit him square in the back of the head and broke. The man turned around angrily and ran back. Lekhram scrambled out of the pile and ran the other way.

Lekhram: Crap!

He looked back to see all four soldiers running after him.

Soldiers: Hey! Stop! Get back here you little turd!

They were quickly gaining on him. He turned into an alley way and climbed up a nearby fire escape. The men were still following below. He jumped from one fire escape platform to the other until he reached the end of the alley. There was a large metal fence surrounding a small military campsite.

Soldier 2: He's stuck, we got him!

Lekhram stopped for a second, got a running start, and jumped from the fire escape, over the fence and tumbled upon hitting the ground on the other side.

Soldier 1: No way! No human could make a jump like that!

Lekhram: Ow, my butt!

He got up and started running again. He found a open shed nearby and ran inside. He locked the door behind him. Inside, there were loaded weapons carelessly thrown about. All of the sudden, there was a loud bang on the door.

Soldier 4: He locked it! I'll break it down!

Soldier 2: What are we gonna do with him?

Soldier 3: We're gonna sell him of course. They pay big money for healthy brats like him.

Soldier 1: Yeah, I bet that Brijall guy will want him. That freak will probably have some fun with him and then sell him for parts.

Soldier 2: Yikes, sucks for him.

Lekhram was listening to the conversation. He had retreated into the very back of the shed and slumped down. His heart was racing faster than ever before and his stomach was churning. He was crying heavily.

Lekhram: I'm gonna die... I'm gonna die... I'm gonna die...Nonono, I don't wanna die!

He looked beside him and saw a semi-automatic weapon. He slowly stood up and carefully picked it up. He took off the safety like he had seen them do so many times before and pointed the gun at the door. His hands were shaking and he could barely hold the heavy weaponry.
The door finally opened and the men ran in.

Soldier 1: Alright, come here you little... GET BACK HE'S GOT A GUN!

Lekhram pulled the trigger and a flurry of bullets came flying out. The recoil pressed him up against the wall. The men were being torn apart and blood was splattering everywhere. Lekhram was screaming with tears pouring from his face. When the round was finished, the gun stopped. Lekhram dropped the weapon, paused for a while, looking at what he had done, and then ran out of shed, leaving a trail of bloody footprints.

10 years later
Amazon Jungle, Peru

An extraordinarily lavish mansion is nestled in the jungle. A multitude of luxurious vehicles sit parked outside. Inside, hundreds of high society people are attending a party. On the top floor, a large dining room contains a long dinner table which seats the VIP members of the event.

Brijall: What can I say, I saw the opportunity and I took it. Never regretted it a day in my life, hohohohoho.

Noble: None of us blame you. Those kids were doing nothing but collecting dirt in the street. At least this way, they made someone's life better, hehe.

The rest of the people at the lightly chuckled.

?: Berserker unit, do you copy?

?: Roger, we're all in position.

?: Take em' out. No one lives.

?: Got it.

Outside of the large windows, nothing could be seen through the pitch darkness. The music was blaring downstairs. All of the sudden, several masked soldiers dressed in all black gear crashed through the windows in every room. They took out large extremely several sub machine guns started to fire. They mowed down dozens of party goers per second. Many escaped the main foyer and made a mad dash toward the back exit. However, as soon an the reached it more soldiers kicked it down and entered the estate. They pulled out large daggers and started butchering everyone in sight. Blood sprayed everywhere stained the white interior. Upstairs, the people at the dinner table were still blissfully unaware of what was taking place downstairs. Finally, a lone masked soldier crashed through the window and landed on the table in front of Brijall. He stared in disbelief. The soldier pulled out two hand guns and pointed them out to each side. He fired the guns simultaneously, each bullet hitting a different party guest square in the forehead. When both guns finally reached Brijall, the soldier pulled both triggers but the ammo had run out. Brijall looked almost amused for a moment. The assassin dropped both of his guns on the table and pulled out an elephant magnum.

Brijall: No, please! The attacker pulled the trigger and Brijall's head exploded. The soldier got off the table pulled off his head gear. He pull out his communicator.

Lekhram: Headshot to base, targets eliminated. Base, do you copy? Berserker unit, what's your status? Berserker unit do you copy? What the hell?

Lekhram made his way down to the foyer to find the rest of his unit on the ground unconscious. There was a single man in the center of the room. He turned to face Lekhram. Lekhram quickly raised his gun.

Palmer: So you're the last one, huh? Your very talented. I've heard about many of your past exploits.

Lekhram: Who are you and what happened here?

Palmer: I'm with the federation and I've been dispatched to end your team's slaughter.

Lekhram: Taking out these guys didn't do squat. We have an entire base full of operatives.

Palmer: I'm aware. That's why the Federation sent our forces there and took down the rest. They are probably being arrested as I speak. Your militia has been terminated.

Lekhram: No way! That's not possible.

Palmer: So as of this moment, you seem to be an unaffiliated man. Meaning we have no reason to fight. So I'm leaving.

Lekhram kept his gun pointed at Palmer.

Lekhram: Oh yeah, well what if I just don't like your face?

Palmer: I can tell you don't like to kill needlessly, which is why on missions, you only take out war criminals and the like and leave everyone else to your team.

Lekhram: You don't know squat about me.

Palmer: … Maybe I don't...

Outside, a large vehicle could be heard landing. Palmer started to walk away.

Palmer: But if you'd like to enlighten me, your more than welcome.

Lekhram:...

Character theme:

watch?v=MmE-N0WsP8E

13: Ultimate Hero Crisis 12.2: Tale of a Rider

18 years ago
Wolfsburg, Germany

A young woman and a small child are walking the cold streets in the dead of night. They make their way to a seemingly abandoned warehouse on the edge of the city.

Woman: Come on, pick up the pace.
Child: …

They make it to the large front door. The young woman briskly knocks. There is no answer. A moment goes by and she is about to knock again when the door begins to slide open. It's completely dark inside save for moonlight peering through the windows. In front of them is a skinny man with wild hair covered in tattoos. He smiled at the two and showing the gold grills on his teeth. The young girl hid behind the woman's leg.

Howlin: Well it's about damn time you showed up Rose. I was about to call off this whole deal. And whats that brat doing here.

Rose: I told you that if I help you, my sister comes with me.

Howlin: Fine, but she better not get in our way or your both out of here!

Rose: I understand, she won't.

Howlin: Good, so now I guess its time for you to meet everyone.

The man walked to a wall and pushed a button. The lights came on illuminating the warehouse. Dozens of gangsters could be seen from all stories of the building. There were also several air bikes parked on the base floor.

Girl: Sis, I'm scared.

Rose: It's alright, Lisa.

Howlin: This is the chick I told you guys about, Rose. 

Some of the mob grumbled in discontent while others laughed.

Howlin: Shut the hell up! She's pretty friggin good at tuning up air bikes. Almost as good as she is at riding them. She might just look like a pretty face now but once she gets out there, she becomes some sort of street demon. It's insane.

Gangster: Hey Howlin, do we also get to have fun with her too?

Howlin: Hell no you pervert! She's my girl! Touch her and I'll slice you open! Lisa pulled on her sister's coat.

Lisa: I don't like it here. I wanna go home.

Rose: We can't right now. We have stay here for a little while, ok?

Lisa: Nooo! Rose please! Let's go!

Rose: I'm sorry. I wish we could but there's nothing to go home to. This is all we've got.

Lisa sadly looked down at the ground sniffling.

Rose: Hey, don't worry. Your big sis is gonna make everything alright. We'll be here for just a little while and then we'll leave this city and go someplace fun!

Lisa slowly looked up again and smiled a little bit. Rose smiled back.

Holwin: That's enough talking. It's late and all but I would suggest you get to work on our bikes now. We were gonna hit a bunch of stores in town day after tomorrow. Do a really good job and I might even give you more money than I promised.

Rose: Fine. Lisa, get some sleep.

14 years later

A large number of police vehicles raced through the streets. They were viciously chasing a small group of women on air bikes, each carrying a large shoulder bag.

Haley: We can't shake em'! Are they always this pesky?

Shiver: Yeah, I thought you said this was gonna be a breeze!

Lisa: If you think this is rough, you wouldn't have lasted a minute back when our bikes were still s**t.

The cop cars were slowly gaining on the group. Lisa looked back and saw one of the cops readying a gun.

Lisa: Split up! I'll see you back at the hideout if you make it!

The bikers all broke apart and made their way down different streets. Some cars broke off as well to give chase. Lisa still had 3 tailing her.

Lisa: Alright, you wanna play? Lets!

Lisa reached into her bag and pulled out a coiled up chain with an ingot on the end. One of the officers pulled up close to her and tried to cut her off but Lisa promptly slowed down and then pulled around him. Another car pulled up next to her and the first made its way back. The two had her sandwiched in and were pulling closer together. But Lisa quickly uncoiled the chain and started swinging it around, gradually increasing the radius. The car windows that it hit shattered and the pulled away. Lisa kept the chain swinging and then launched the end at the car to her left. It flew through the window and hit the officer in the head. He fell unconscious and careened off the road. Lisa then sped up and made a sharp left turn. The remaining 2 cars pulled around the corner and continued pursuit. Lisa opened up a panel on the bike and hit a button. Blue fire shot out of the muffler on her bike and she sped up immensely. But and officer in the car behind her leaned out of his window and shot at her. The bike was hit and was smoking heavily. She jumped off and tumbled onto the sidewalk. The cars were approaching quickly. Lisa looked around and spotted a bicycle tied to a nearby railing.

Lisa: Ugh, this is gonna suck.

She ran over, pulled out a gun and shot the lock off. She got on a bike and started pedaling away. The police were gaining on her extremely quickly. But she made a hairpin turn down an alleyway and made her way through it. The she had lost the police for a moment but they had her in their sights once again. She made her way to the city park and rushed down the main path. The police pulled into the park after her. The officer tried to shoot at her once again. However, this time, she reached in her bag, grabbed a metal pipe, and threw it behind her at the officer. The pipe fractured the cop's arm and he dropped the gun. Lisa was coming to an extremely steep hill. As she descended, her speed increased. The cars were right behind her and were about to catch up. Lisa uncoiled the chain again but this time, she swung it at a nearby lamp post. It wrapped around the pole stuck. Lisa held on tight as her speed combined with the chain yanked her and the bike off the path in an instant. She was in the air for a moment and flew off into the darkness. The cars pulled after her but had completely lost sight of her. The chase was over. On the outskirts of the city, Lisa up to a warehouse on a bicycle. She knocked on the door. But after no answer, she pushed the door open herself. Inside, it was completely empty save for two men.

Lekhram: Welcome home princess!

Lisa: What the... how'd you get in here?

Palmer: You're the fabled street demon, Rose, I take it?

Lisa: Rose died... there is no street demon.

Palmer: Really? Forgive me. I could hardly believe it when I got the report. One person evading a police force on an old fashioned bicycle. I thought it had to be... Either way, your feats were impressive.

Lisa: Well the friggin cops trashed my air bike. What did you expect me to do?

Palmer: Granted.

Lisa pulled out a gun and pointed it at Palmer.

Lisa: So you wanna tell me who the hell you are?

Lekhram: Ooo, trigger happy. I like her.

Palmer: We are operatives from the federation. We were dispatched to arrest the air bike gang that's been plaguing this city. The other members have been arrested. Normally you would be too, but I'd like to give you the option of a sort of community service.

Lisa: And give me one good reason why I shouldn't paint the walls right now.

Palmer: Because what I have to offer has exponentially higher potential than your current lifestyle.

Lisa: Hmm, thanks but no thanks. I'll be alright. So why don't you and your pal go f**k yourselves?

Lekhram: We would but we have paperwork to do after this.

Lisa: Just get the hell out, now!

Lisa was alternating her gun between the two agents. Palmer and Lekhram put their hands above their heads. But in one quick motion Lekhram reached down, grabbed his gun and shot at Lisa before she could react. The bullet hit her gun and knocked it out of her hand.

Lekhram: Oh no, too slow!

Palmer: So as you can see your options are extremely limited at the moment. So what's your choice?

Lisa looked around the empty hideout. After a moment she dropped the shoulder bag she was carrying.

Lisa: Tch, whatever...

TO BE CONTINUED...

14: Ultimate Hero Crisis 12.3: Tale of a Shadow

Tale of a Shadow 14 years ago
Shiga, Japan

A large temple sits in the middle of nowhere amidst a light snow. Outside in the courtyard, several young participate in rigorous martial arts training. Various exercises are done all over while a number of sparring matches take place in the middle. One match is between two younger boys. The two ferociously throw punches and kicks, blocking each with precision. Finally, one boy's counter slips through the other's defenses and lands. The child was knocked back a few steps. He finally stopped attacking and smiled.

Ryuga: Dang, you got me!

Jiro: Yeah, this time it's my win.

Ryuga: True. But next time, your dead! You get me, haha?

A few yards away from them, a girl of about the same age ended a fight with a muscular man with a destructive flip. When she finished, the two bowed and she ran over to the two boys.

Jiro: Nice match!

Komori: Thanks! You too! I think you two hit a new record just now. You two started that one match about an hour ago right?

Ryuga: Yeah, it got pretty heated, but after Jiro here got in a lucky shot...

Jiro: You must have thought! I got you fair and square!

Ryuga: Whatever. But you know the master has been watching you right?

Jiro: Yeah, I noticed.

Komori: If that means what I think it means, then he should be considering you for the shinobi promotion test!

Jiro: Wow, when is it?

Ryuga: It's tonight!

Jiro: Huh? Really?

Ryuga: Don't sweat it man! If you beat me, I know you'll knock that test out of the park!

Komori: Yeah, as long as you don't do anything stupid like last week when you threw your weapon away. I know your opponent lost their weapon but you didn't have to take it easy on them.

Ryuga: Yeah, dude! Don't do noble stuff like that. It pisses the master off! Remember, we're ninjas, not knights!

Jiro: I'll try to keep that in mind...

Komori: Now let's get inside. It's freezing out here!

Night fell and the light snow grew into a raging blizzard. The inside of the temple was dark, lit only by candles scattered throughout. There was a large arena like dojo in the center of the building. Inside is a lone Jiro silently meditating. He is completely still. The only sounds were the wind howling through the building's halls. Suddenly 5 shadows dropped from the ceiling and surround the boy. He opened his eyes, looked around and stood up, pulling his neckerchief up over his nose. The ninjas all brandished different weapons. The boy picked up a sword from the floor and unsheathed it and took a fighting stance. One of the ninjas ran at Jiro and swung a spear at him. The boy blocked the hit an swung back. Another ninja came at him with a pair of hand claws and slashed rapidly. The boy dodged and countered with a swift strike to the chest. After this, the ninja stopped and retreated. A third ninja ran into the fray threw a low kick at Jiro's legs. It landed and he tripped. The others tried to take advantage but the boy fell into a one armed hand stand and blocked with his legs. The child got back to his feet and slashed both. Those two retreated as well. The remaining two ninja wielded chain sickles. The two got on either side of him and started to swing the bladed chains wildly at him. The boy bobbed and weaved between the incoming blades each time. One of them wrapped around his blade and the attacker yanked it away. Jiro kept dodging barehanded. He finally rolled over to where his sword was. The attackers took another swing but Jiro parried both. The two retracted the blades on their chains and ran at Jiro. However, he had flipped over their heads and landed behind them, striking them both on the back. The two stopped and retreated into the darkness. Jiro was alone for a moment. He was on his guard, keeping a sharp eye all around him. He couldn't hear anything. Then, he felt a single breath on his shoulder. He wheeled around swiftly, only to be hit in the stomach and sent back a few feet. He looked up and saw a single shinobi clad in heavier armor than the others. He took calm, controlled steps that made no sound. He moved a couple steps to the side into a nearby patch of darkness and vanished. A second later, he stepped out of a shadow behind Jiro. The boy turned around at the last second to see another punch coming and barely dodge it. Jiro jumped back 2 yards, watching his opponent's every move. The shinobi stopped pacing and drew his blade, pointing it at Jiro who regained his composure. Jiro ran at his opponent and made many rapid slashes and thrusts, all of which where dodged in quick motions. He then mechanically slashed back, narrowly missing Jiro. He regained his composure again, but his face scarf had been cut and fell from his face. Jiro ran back and crossed swords with the attacker. The shinobi repelled his attack again but this time, pursued Jiro further. Jiro blocked his advances but was forced to retreat across the room. The ninja went after him at high speed, running on the wall. He dismounted and came at Jiro with a diving slash. Jiro managed to block it but was thrown back against the wall by the sheer force. He was breathing heavily and his legs were shaking slightly. However, he took a deep breath and calmed down. The shinobi took a single step forward when Jiro bolted at him once more. The ninja got ready and took a stab but Jiro ducked and slipped past the blade. The ninja made a wide slash to his side only to find Jiro gone. He looked around but the boy was nowhere in sight. The ninja stood still looking around for a sign if movement somewhere in the shadows but saw nothing. In an instant, Jiro came shooting down from the ceiling right above his opponent. The ninja saw at the last second and attempted to parry but Jiro managed to knock the blade out of his hand. The shinobi stopped moving completely, waiting for Jiro's next move. However, Jiro looked at his own sword and tossed it aside as well. The shinobi remained still for a moment, and then adopted another fighting stance. They ran at each other and began trading blows. The two were locked in heated combat, the noise from their attacks echoing throughout the temple along with the howling winds outside. Finally, the two were deadlocked for a moment and then back away from one another. Jiro then jumped toward the shinobi who replied with a strong straight punch. But Jiro twisted around in the air, rolling off if the attack and with a spin, landing three solid kicks to the ninjas face. The ninja fell to the floor. After a moment, he got back up, bowed to Jiro and vanished. Jiro took a breath of relief, and left the dojo. He walked to the main hall where his friends were waiting to greet him.

Komori & Ryuga: Jiro!

Komori: How did it go? Did you pass?

Jiro: Yes! I did it!

Ryuga: Alright! That's awesome man! I knew you could do it!

Komori: I'm so happy for you!

Komori jumped on him and hugged Jiro tightly.

Jiro: Ow, not so hard! I took some nasty hits, hehe.

At that moment, the head of the temple walked into the room. Everyone else fell silent and bowed. Jiro stood at the forefront of the crowd. The master slowly approached him and looked him in the eyes.

Master: You defeated every opponent that was presented to you and showed great courage and skill. However, you showed mercy to enemy and discarded your weapon. This was a foolish error.

Jiro slightly dropped his head in shame to the master.

Jiro: Master, I...

Master: You disregarded your teachings and risked defeat at the hands of your opponent! Such stupidity is unfathomable!

Jiro then raised his head and looked keenly looked the master in his eyes.

Jiro: Master, I understand! However, I will never take advantage of an unarmed opponent! I will always fight on even ground, even with my enemy and act honorably to the very best of my ability! That is what I feel is correct within my being and that is the path that I follow!

After the echo of Jiro's voice dissipated, the hall was filled with a deafening silence. The master's eyes were flared up with anger and disgust.

Master: There is no place for this fashion of weakness among our ranks. I cannot allow one such as yourself to remain at this temple! You must leave! And I rescind the name that we gave you! You are no longer Jiro Takamori! Now be gone from this place!

Ryuga: No! Wait, master please!

Komori: You can't do this!

Master: Be silent, or you will share his fate!

Komori: If you kick him out, where will he go?

Ryuga: Jiro, just promise that you won't do it again!

Jiro: If this is how it is, then there is no place for me here.

The main hall doors opened and the cold blizzard winds rushed in. Jiro began to walk out.

Komori: Jiro, what are you saying? Come back! Jiro!

Jiro: Komori, Ryuga... I'm sorry. And thank you for everything!

Jiro walked out into the night and the doors shut behind him.

11 years later
Okinawa, Japan

A small pub sits by the beach at dusk. The inside in dim and relatively empty. There is one patron at the bar, downing a bottle of whiskey. He finally puts his head down, the bottle still firmly in his grip. Suddenly, 4 gansters with baseball bats walk in. They look around and spot the lone customer on his stool.

Gangster #1: Hey, buddy! How'v you been? Long time no friggin see!

The thug put his hand in the patron's shoulder but then began to squeeze violently. The man didn't respond.

Gangster #2: I think he's too boozed out.

Gangster #1: Turn him around.

Two of the men grab the bar fly and turn him to face outwards on the stool. The drinker's eyes are closed and his head won't stay up. The guys start to smack him but still get no response. One of the thugs tries to take his bottle. However, the man's arm automatically wrenches it away and he takes a long swig. His eyes opened slightly.

Gangster #1: We've been lookin all over town for ya! So you can imagine how happy we are to find you here, ya know?

The man still says nothing.

Gangster #1: Look, to make a story short, you owe us a lotta money. All we've been doin is trying to collect whats ours but you slip away like a little rat each time! So to fix that I was thinkiiin' we break your legs, just to keep you in one place. Kay?

The gangster adopted a dark grin and wound up his baseball bat, ready to swing. However, the drunken man stretched his leg out and kicked the thug in the stomach, making him fly back almost a full yard. The man got up and walked toward the door, ready to leave. The others surrounded him, readied their bats and swung. The man dodged all of their wild swings with lazy ducks and leans. One of them tried to hit the man's head with the back of the bat but the man side stepped and countered with a flick to the forehead. Finally, all of them rushed him at once at the man fell back to his stool. One of them took another swing at the man. But he quickly looped his foot between the stool's legs and kicked it into the face of the thug, breaking it. He did the same with the stool next the that one and the next one as well. He finally came to rest on the final stool of the row. The first gangster had pulled out his gun and pointed it at the drunk.

Gangster #1: Alright! You've f##ked with us for the last time, damn it!

Before the thug could react, the man had thrown his bottle. It hit the gangster square in his face, knocking him out. The man slowly walked over to the unconscious thug, grabbed a fistful of bills out of his wallet and slapped them down on the counter.

Man: Money taken from the innocent needs no repayment...

He then reached over, grabbed a new bottle and made his way to the door. Suddenly, another man crashed through the window. Upon landing, he pulled out a gun, flashed it around and then put it away.

Lekhram: All clear!

Palmer walked through the door with multiple pairs of cuffs in hand. The bar-goer backed up from him.

Palmer: What happened to these men?

The man only took another swig and made his way toward the door again. Palmer stepped in his way.

Palmer: While we're not here for you, we will need you to come with us for questioning.

Lekhram had taken a seat on one of the unconscious thugs.

Lekhram: Hey cap, I think he's so drunk he forgot how to talk.

Palmer: You probably want to decline. But I'm sorry to say that this isn't optional. So, do you have a name?

Man: … Steven … Heiwajima.

From outside, an engine to a large containment vehicle could be heard roaring. One of the windows rolled down.

Harding: Hey! Hurry the hell up in there! We don't have all night!

Lekhram: Shut up! We're working on it!

Palmer: Our driver seems to be getting impatient so let's wrap things up here.

Heiwajima looked up at the ceiling and let out an exasperated sigh.

TO BE CONTINUED...

15: Ultimate Hero Crisis 12.4: Tale of a Hacker

Tale of a Hacker 13 years ago
Kingston, Jamaica

A man works on a computer in his home office as the heat of day blazes outside. Various blueprints and data reports fill the screen. The man is feverishly working through it. A young boy sat behind him, watching him work.

Boy: Dad! I'm bored! Take me to the beach today!

Man: Sorry son, but I can't. I have a lot of work to do at the moment.

Boy: Aww!

The boy ran two the living room and dove into the couch. The boys mother came into the house.

Mother: Hey Sean. What are you doing here. It's so nice outside! I thought you'd be out playing.

Sean: I wanted Dad to take me to the beach today but he's busy. He's always working now.

Mother: Your father has a very important job. Right now, he's making sure that the Federation satellites are working properly.

Sean: Sounds lame! Mother: It might sound lame it's very important. There are some other countries that are making trouble and the Federation needs to be ready for anything. Your father is helping to keep us safe!

Sean: I wish they'd all just die and stop making dad have to work so much.

Mother: Sean! You can't say things like that! Those are people, just like you and me. We have to solve this peacefully if we can.

Sean: …

Mother: Come on. Go play with your friends!

Sean: Now, I don't wanna!

Mother: Don't be so stubborn!

Sean stalked off into his bedroom and took a nap. Night fell and the boy came back out to the living room and turned on the family computer. Stories about missile threats from eastern European countries filled the news. Sean grabbed his notebook and a pencil and wrote down every country he heard. Soon after Sean turned off the computer, and snuck into his father's office. He found the laptop still plugged in and turned it on. He remembered the various things he had seen his father do over the years clearly. The boy bypassed the device's security and made his way into the satellite's systems. He used it to peek into the Federation's database and saw that they had missiles on standby. Sean got up, ran into his parent's room and grabbed a flashdrive with clearance codes that his father kept in his briefcase. He he plugged it into the laptop and then proceeded to shut out the manual controls and arm the weapons. Back at the base, military personnel were baffled. All of their attempts to disarm the weapon silos were in vain. Sean finally plugged in the coordinates and gave the command to fire. A dozen warheads left the base and hurtled toward their targets. The boy smiled and left the computer. He went back to his room and happily went back to bed. The next morning, he woke up to dismayed screaming from the living room. Sean ran out to investigate.

Father: I don't know! No one would have given the authorization for an attack like that. There must have been a malfunction or a hacker somewhere!

Mother: I don't understand. Who would be able to lock the Federation out of their own weapons systems.

Sean: I took care of it for you dad!

Father: Not now, son!

Sean: But the whole missile thing was my idea.

Father: What did you say?

Sean: I used your stuff to blow up all the bad guys! So you don't have to work so much any more!

Everyone was silent for a moment.

Father: Sean, did you touch my laptop last night?

Sean: Yeah! I took care of everything!

The man slapped his son across the face.

Father: Do you know what you've done?! We're in a state of war right now!

Sean: But dad...

Father: Oh god, oh god! If he used my equipment then... Martha, take Sean and leave from here NOW! They'll be coming for me once they trace this back! That could be at any moment!

Mother: No, what about you!

Father: I'll take whatever punishment there is. It's all I can do.

Mother: Wait, Dean!

Father: There's no time! Just go! I love you both.

The man walked over and hugged his family.

Sean: Dad...

Martha grabbed Sean by the hand and ran with him out of the front door. She got in the car, and pulled off quickly. In a minute, they saw a number of military vehicles rush past, heading directly for their house. The woman was in tears as she drove away. Sean sat quietly, unable to understand anything what was going on.

12 years later

Lime Cay, Jamaica

On a small island just off of the mainland, a helicopter landed on the beach. Sand flew everywhere until the propellers stopped. 4 people got out.

Harding: Wow, this place is really pretty!

Lekhram: Yeah, I just might take my next vacation here.

Palmer: Alright, the coordinates we received put it just over that way.

The 4 walked a short distance until they reached a clearing among some trees.

Palmer: This is it.

Lekhram: Um, you sure about that?

Palmer: Positive.

Heiwajima walked into the clearing with his hand out. He kept walking until his hand touched something invisible.

Heiwajima: It's a hologram. Someone is trying to hide this building.

Harding: I've heard about tech like that but I've never seen one of these before. It's amazing. You really can't see anything.

Lekhram: I think I found a door over here.

Palmer: We're going in, everybody get ready!

Palmer kicked in the door and a gate way appeared out of thin air. The 4 ran in with guns at the ready to find a single person inside playing a video game on the television. The man looked at the intruders for a moment and then went back to his game.

Man: That door was open you know.

Palmer: Are you Sean, son of Dean Anderson?

Sean: Last time I checked, yeah.

Palmer: We've been searching for you for the past few years. You have knowledge of classified Federation data and we would like to either put it to use or take it from you.

Sean: I don't know anything...

Palmer: They found your finger prints on your fathers equipment. We always knew that you had something to do with that missile strike. They have always wanted to know how a child commits mass genocide.

Sean: Sorry, not interested.

Heiwajima: We could also bring you up on illegal tech charges. Civilians aren't allowed to purchase large scale holo projectors.

Sean: I didn't buy them from anybody. I made them.

Harding: Either way, it's still a violation and we could take you in for it.

Lekhram: Unless your willing to stop being a prick and cooperate.

Sean:... (sigh) Can I at least save my game first? 

TO BE CONTINUED...

16: Ultimate Hero Crisis 13: Raid On Heaven

The team looked out over the city as mechanical drones swarmed the streets. People were running in terror and the police force was attempting to combat the threat. They all climbed into Lisa's vehicle. Palmer rode shotgun, Heiwajima and Anderson took the back seat, Lekhram manned the turret, and Harding took the wheel. After everyone was set Harding floored the gas pedal and with a loud roar from the engine, they were off. The vehicle made its way out of the military complex and out onto the streets drones spotted them but the federation soldiers left behind guarding the base shot them down with mounted turrets, allowing the team to exit safely.

Lekhram: Hmm, not bad. Maybe those goons aren't completely useless after all.

Anderson: Is this go-cart really the best we could come up with. No offense but it's a little... small.

Harding: Hey! Don't talk trash about my ride! This here is my personal treasure, the Hyena. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in pure kick-ass 10x over.

Anderson: If you say so...

Palmer: It's also one of the few vehicles we possess that isn't hooked into the Federation's computers. All the others, even police squad cars have been hacked and are unusable.

Harding: Plus, my Hyena is way better than any cruddy tank or chopper you can get. You'll see soon.

Anderson: Yeah, I sure will since we have a wave of drones closing in on us.

From above, a mob of drones descended on the team with guns at the ready.

Palmer: Lekhram, drop em!

Lekhram: On it!

Lekhram pointed the turret at the enemy and fired. A flurry of bullets came flying out. The rounds completely pierced the drones, making quick work of them.

Lekhram: So this things got some kick to it.

Harding: If that impressed you, your head'll explode when you see what else it's got.

Lekhram: I look forward to that!

The team was approaching their destination. They were about to cross into the complex that contained the director's office. The main building completely dwarfed all others as well as the rest of city itself.

Anderson: That big, expensive-looking building is the one that we want.

Lekhram: Wait, how do we even know the guy is actually in there?

Anderson: I can see him perfectly with my scope goggles. The infared imaging is crystal clear. He's there.

Lekhram: Alright, that just makes this job that much easier.

Heiwajima: Hey, Harding. By the size of the boosters on the back of this vehicle, I imagine we're able to fly.

Harding: Of course.

Palmer: But doing so at the moment would be unwise. With all the anti-air defense concentrated in the area, we'd be instant targets.

Heiwajima: True, though the land route isn't exactly a leisurely drive either.

Anderson: Either way we go it'll be a pain in the neck.

The team was crossing an overpass when they spotted a unit of troops being cornered by 2 drones.

Harding: Crap, those guys are doomed! I gotta pull over. Lekhram get ready!

Heiwajima: No, don't stop!

Harding looked back to find Heiwajima missing from his seat. He crouched on the roof of the vehicle surveying the situation. He then looked Lekhram in the eyes and then dove off of the overpass directly toward the drones. He landed on one and planted an explosive on its head. He sprang to the other one and cut the head clean off with large blade. The explosive detonated and the drone slumped to the ground. Palmer pulled out his communicator.

Palmer: We could have handled that much quicker.

Heiwajima: You can't stop. You must continue. Plus, there are still more troops in the area. I'll get them to safety and catch up to you later.

Palmer: … Make it there. That's an order.

Heiwajima: Understood sir!

Lekhram: Hmph, damn show off…

The team was approaching a monorail track that coiled up the main building. Harding drove pulled them onto the track and they began the climb. Multiple drones approached them from all sides and the team was forced to shoot them down to clear the way. Countless drones dropped from the air but more kept taking their place.

Harding: How many of these things are there?

Palmer: Enough to protect a city.

Lekhram: Or enough to trash one.

They came to the tunnel. Drones swarmed on both sides. A couple followed them in. They pointed their guns and fired. Lisa swerved from side to side. Lekhram got inside to avoid the rounds. Everyone inside peeked out of the windows to fire back, but it did little.

Palmer: We can't get a good shot!

Harding: Ugh, bunch of babies! Hang on!

Lisa shifted the gear and violently turned the wheel. The Hyena spun around and was driving backwards. She hit some buttons and 2 rocket launchers emerged from the vehicle. She fired and took out the pursuers. However, more soon took their place. The assault continued.

Harding: We're almost out of here.

Anderson: And we have a welcoming party of about 20 outside.

Palmer: They're waiting to trap us outside. We need a lot more speed than what we've got now if we want to make it out alive.

Harding: Jeev, remember that move we talked about?

Lekhram: I was wondering when you'd ask. Do it, lady!

The boosters roared and the hyena drove into the wall, avoiding the gunfire. Once on the ceiling, Lekhram wedged his feet in the headrests of the seats and hung upside down. He pulled out his own high caliber guns and fired. He hit the eyes of each drone perfectly. They flipped back upright. Lisa fired one more to clear out the tunnel exit. They busted out of the flame and smoke and drove off the edge of the track. They were falling temporarily until jet wings suddenly jutted out from the side of the vehicle and they were soaring through the air.

Anderson: I thought we agreed to take the safe route.

Harding: We had no choice, they were crowding us up on the track with our limited motion. This way, we can just get up faster.

Anderson: We're currently being pursued by more than 30 and the fire is about to begin again.

Harding: Aww well. Not like they can catch me anyway!

As the Hyena gained altitude, it began taking on gunfire from behind. Harding weaved through the bullet storm and continued to climb. The drones began to fire large missiles that were quickly closing in. Harding continually rolled out of the way but the missiles kept doubling back for another attack. She flew closer to the track but the missiles intelligently avoided them.

Harding: Shoot! These things are smart and they can maneuver really well!

Palmer: And from the look of them, they're also high caliber. If they hit, we're done.

Anderson: If you have any bright ideas, now would be the best time to use them. But that's just my opinion.

Harding: Alright, one sweet trick coming up. And remember, anyone who pukes in here gets killed on the spot!

Harding pulled closer and closer to the building until they were almost touching it. The missiles followed close behind. Lisa eyed the distance between the vehicle and skyscraper closely down to the last inch. Then in about half a second, she then let go of the wheel, changed the gear and hit 2 buttons before grabbing the wheel again. The tires came back out and the boosters fired up again. They were driving on the side of the building, spiraling upward along with the monorail track. As they rode, every window they passed shattered almost immediately giving them just enough time to get from one to another. The missiles matched the team's proximity to the building and began closing in once again. They were both quickly nearing the bottom of a track, though neither showed signs of pulling away.

Lekhram: Whatever you're doing, do it fast! The last thing I wanted to do today was explode!

Harding: Just a little more. I have to do this perfectly for it to work.

The Hyena was mere yards from the track and still heading straight for it. The missiles followed feet behind. The driver measured the distance once more. 20 yards. 15. 10. 5. 2. Lisa let go of the wheel, switched the gear and hit 3 buttons. The Hyena's tires pointed down to reveal jet boosters built into the sides. They fired near instantly and thrusted the vehicle off the building and away from the wall, changing direction completely. They were in the air flying once again. The pursuing missiles attempted to follow but didn't have enough time to turn, forcing them to hit the track and explode causing the entire section to collapse.

Palmer: Nicely executed.

Anderson: Our trusty pilot saves the day...

Lekhram was about to vomit in his seat. However, after a leer from the pilot he decided to hold it in instead. Currently half-way to the top, the team spotted the end of the track. The drones still followed behind. They were also in the sites of the automated turrets.

Anderson: We're taking heavy fire from all sides. There's no dodging this one.

Harding: We don't have to dodge it. Just slip past! There's the platform that goes into the building!We'll have to bail there!

Lekhram: What?! Are you crazy? If we get out now, we'll be paste before we land!

Harding: And if we stay in here we'll be paste in about 5 seconds. You're choice though.

Lekhram: (Sigh) How the hell did we end up with a deranged pilot?

Harding pulled a large throttle and the Hyena started to change. The wings pointed backwards at an angle and the boosters stuck out further than usual going and full power. The vehicle picked up immense speed and rocketed upwards releasing a small sonic boom. They shot past the onslaught and made it above the platform. Lisa released the throttle and the Hyena slowed down. Palmer, Anderson, and Lekhram dove out.

Harding: Hyena, go home!

Harding dove out after her team. The Hyena closed it's doors and took off on it's own back toward the base. The team descended quickly. The drones began firing at them immediately. However, Anderson pulled out a small device and activated it. A large energy field surrounded the team and shielded them from the attack. Before hitting the ground, each of the soldiers activated small jets in their boots to soften the landing allowing them to safely touch down.

Palmer: Let's get inside!

Harding was watching the Hyena fly off when a smart missile soared off after it. Harding screamed and reached out to her hand to the sky.

Harding: NOOO!

The vehicle attempted to evade until a second one came took chase and blindsided it. The missile exploded violently leaving the Hyena to fall in a ball of smoke and fire. It dropped over 200 stories and hit the ground, exploding once more. Harding was dumbfounded at the sight. Her eyes were wide with disbelief and her face was completely blank. She fell to her knees, her arm still outstretched. Her hand then dropped and she stared at the ground for a moment.

Lekhram: Dang...

Anderson: You have my condolences.

Palmer: Harding, we'll definitely...

Harding gritted her teeth, clenched her fist and adopted a look of immense rage on her face.

Harding: THAT OLD BASTARD! I'LL FRIGGIN KILL HIM!

Lisa got up, sprinted off into the building leaving the rest behind looking at each other with puzzled expressions.

Lekhram: What did I tell ya? Deranged.

The rest of the team went in as well.

Palmer: Anderson!

Anderson pulled out a device which created a 3D holo-projection of the building.

Anderson: We're on the 205th floor. We're going to the 300th.

Lekhram: Stairs anyone?

Palmer: Where's the elevator?

Anderson: About 15 floors above us. They're locked down on that floor. I can reactivate them but I'll have to go to them and do it manually.

Palmer: Alright, lets move.

Before anyone could move Harding ran to the staircase and sprinted up with great vigor. The rest of the team jogged up the stairs. However, they soon found more drones blocking their path. The smaller hovering drones locked onto them and started firing. The team took cover.

Lekhram: Alright, now it's a party!

Lekhram dove out from cover and began firing back. He carved a path for the team to continue up. They made their way up several floors until and larger spider-like drone blocked their path. They exited one stairwell and made their way to the other. The drone pursued them and readied a large rocket launcher to fire. But without looking, Lekhram aimed his elephant magnum over his shoulder and fire. The bullet went directly down the barrel of the rocket launcher, detonating the ammunition. Lekhram had a maniacal smile on his face as he kept running.

Lekhram: YAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

The team finally reached the elevators. Anderson plugged into the service terminal and unlocked them. The doors opened, but a mob of hovering drones cornered them once again. They were about to fire when something crashed through the windows and ploughed through them. For a moment, it was invisible. But it slowly appeared out of thin air. Heiwajima got off of a wrecked hover bike. Everyone else was speechless. He walked toward Palmer.

Heiwajima: Objective: complete.

Palmer: You have my admiration soldier.

Harding: But how...

Heiwajima: I found an air bike in the complex. After disabling its wireless connections, it worked well enough for me to use it. I also had to borrow Anderson's camo tech to bypass the enemy forces.

Anderson quickly looked down at his belt to find his mini holo-projector gone.

Anderson: Why you...

Heiwajima: My deepest apologies.

Palmer: Now that we're all here, lets move on. We're about to reach our target.

The team got in and made their way up. After a moment, they were ascending through a glass elevator shaft, giving stunning view of the entire city. Everyone looked out with awe. However, shortly after a drone sped by at such high speed that it shattered the glass, leaving the team exposed. The wind howled around them as drones bigger than any others approached them baring high caliber machine guns.

Palmer: Permission to utilize transfer technology granted.

Lekhram: Finally! Wait a little longer why don'tcha? Transfer System: Big Bang Bazooka!

Lekhram touched his belt and a great light shot out. When the light faded, he was holding an extremely oversize rocket launcher . The team crouched an braced themselves as Lekhram pointed the weapon and fired at the attackers. A cloud of exhaust steam erupted from the back of the weapon. A second later, the rocket was flying at the drones at high speed. The recoil sent Lekhram back against the wall. Anderson erected his energy shield once again to cover everyone. The rocket hit its targets and gave on a gigantic explosion that could be seen across the city. It kept expanding and causing heavy gusts and shock waves. The explosion finally subsided leaving no trace of it's targets. The team stay down for a moment collecting themselves. The weapon started to glow again and then vanished in a flash of light.

Lekhram: Don't lie. You guys want one too.

They slowly got up readied themselves once more. The elevator reached the top of the building and stopped. The team got off ran ran back into the building. They sprinted down a long bright hallway with a single door at the end. When they reached the door, they stopped. Without a word, Palmer checked to see if everyone was ready. Everyone nodded. They then kicked down the door and stormed in, guns at the ready. Inside there was a single man with his back turned to the door. He was silently looking out over the city from his window.

Palmer: Harold Credo, you are under arrest for the misuse of Federation technology, public endangerment, abuse of power, and attempted genocide!

Credo: …

Palmer: Come quietly, now!

Credo: Captain Palmer... you... I'm glad you are here.

Palmer: I said come quietly! Get on the ground now!

Credo: You and your team have the once in a lifetime, no, once in an eternity opportunity to witness the beginning of something new. I am truly happy for you.

Lekhram: Just shut the hell up and get down! We'll shoot your ass damn it!

Credo picked up a small container from his desk. It had a strange glow emanating from it.

Palmer: Last warning.

Credo: Say goodbye to the reality you once knew, and say hello to...

Palmer shot him in the stomach before he could utter another word. Credo's eyes widened and blood dripped from his abdomen and mouth. He fell to the floor, still clutching his container. The team approached him slowly, ready to take him. However, the container suddenly bursted open and the light inside shot out. The force from it broke all the window in the large room.

Palmer: Get back!

It hovered around for a moment before seeping into Credo's body. His body lay still and then began writhing. Credo rolled around, hacking and coughing and clutching at his throat. Suddenly his eyes rolled back in his head and turned a glowing bright green. From the center of his forehead outward, his skin began to turn jet black. The bullet wound closed up and his muscles began to grow. Small white dots sprung up all over his body, growing and spiraling like galaxies. Finally, his facial features were paved over and his forehead sprouted 3 horns. He calmed down completely and lay still. Credo's body then started to hover and stand him upright again. The team was completely stunned. But finally, Palmer was able to get out an order.

Palmer: Fire at will!

Everyone fired their weapons. However, the bullets vanished into thin air. The everyone looked astonished. Credo then looked at then, causing their weapons to turn into vapor and waft away. Credo then looked to the ceiling and the top of the building dismantled itself. Chunks of glass, metal,and stone hovered high in the air and swirled around. A moment later, even the sky above twisted into a hellish blood red vortex. Everyone looked at the scene with utter terror.

Palmer: … what... the hell are you?

Credo: Can you not see captain? I have simply become god.

TO BE CONTINUED...

17: Ultimate Hero Crisis 14: Those Who Challenged The Sun

The world descended into chaos. The sky turned blood red, the clouds were stained black, and the winds whipped around violently feeling akin to razors. People everywhere panicked and ran for shelter and animals of all kinds went berserk. Many attempted to escape the planet on emergency shuttles only to find that the atmosphere was as hostile as it appeared, swatting anything and everything out of the air with gusts stronger than hurricanes and wicked bolts of lightning. The shuttles plummeted back to the ground, causing massive amounts of damage upon impact. Credo stood silently looking out upon the havoc.

Palmer: So this was you what you wanted all along. The manipulation, the abduction, the experimentation. All of it lead to this.

Credo: That is correct captain.

Credo's voice echoed throughout the air as if it was coming from everywhere at once.

Heiwajima: And the take-over was just a distraction, to allow you to finish your work in peace.

Anderson: How clever of you...

Credo: Everything in the past was a cobblestone on the road to a new world. We have finally reached our destination.

Palmer: To own this world... just how much strength have you obtained?

Credo: How... much... strength? Answering such a question would be pointless. My power is not quantifiable on a scale that humans can comprehend. The best explanation... is that my will is absolute. That is all.

Lekhram forcefully stepped to the front.

Lekhram: And just who the hell do you think you are trying to rule the world?! HUH?!

Credo: Another aspect you have yet to grasp. My intention is not to rule this world. I want nothing to do with it.

The team looked astonished. Countless questions instantly arose in their minds.

Palmer: Then...

Credo: My intention... my goal... my right as god... is to take the whole of reality … and erase it.

All: !!!!!!

Palmer: Impossible!!!

Credo: It is quite possible. I will take all that there ever was, is, and will be and wipe it from existence. I will then start it all anew as a stable and singular reality. That is the world that I will stand over.

Harding: You're... INSANE! You can't do that!

Credo: There exists nothing that I cannot do.

Heiwajima: I'll never believe that. Everything has a weakness. The only variable is how well it's hidden.

Credo: You speak as if you plan to resist me.

Lekhram: Heh, somebody's quick on the uptake.

Harding: If you think we'd ever submit to you, your even crazier than I thought.

Credo: Submit? This has never been a matter of submission. I would never ask any of you to do something as trivial as to kneel before me or beg for your lives. I simply advise you to accept your fates and bear witness the end of creation.

Everyone fell silent for a moment. They all glanced at each other quickly and then looked back to Credo.

Anderson: For one so powerful, that last proposal was pretty dumb. With a mind like yours, I'm surprised you haven't forgotten how to breath and die by now.

Credo: ?

Heiwajima: You commit crimes against the entire population of Earth, get confronted by the greatest task force in human history, give 0% chance of a ceasefire, and ask us to quietly admire your work?

Harding: I don't know how you made it to the top of the Federation, but you clearly weren't qualified if that's your idea of a negotiation.

Credo: What is this? You all. There is no logic in your words.

Palmer slowly approached Credo, paying no mind to the battering winds. Credo stood gazing at them with bewilderment. Palmer and Credo now stood face to face. Palmer locked his eyes, devoid of doubt or hesitation, on Credo's two bright green ones.

Palmer: You ask us to accept the end of the world. We refuse.

Credo: These people. They defy without rhyme or reason. They simply defy... How? Why?

Lekhram: Sorry pal, but the jury is unanimous. The verdict is... fuck you.

Credo: … I see...

Credo's gaze dropped to the floor in contemplation.

Palmer: Team, ready all remaining weaponry and prepare to fire. Live or die, we fight!

All: Sir!

Palmer stepped back to his team. Everyone touched their belts and more guns materialized. Their sights were set on Credo.

Palmer: Ready, FIRE AT WILL!!!

A flurry of bullets flew at Credo. Sparks flew as they harmlessly bounced off of his jet black body. Credo's eyes didn't leave the floor. He stood in silent contemplation as the assault continued. Suddenly, he looked up at them. He began to hover in the air and the wind stirred violently.

Credo: This was a surprising turn of events. Humans … challenging god. I've heard myths on such things. But never did I think I would experience something of that nature. So...

Palmer held up his hand and the fire stopped.

Credo: This ... must truly be the climax of humanity. A legend if there ever was one. … I will pay respect to this.

All: ???

Credo: I will end this world and it's people in glory, by my own hand. I believe that that is an end befitting of you all. Thank you for showing me this. I am truly grateful to you all.

With a shockwave, Credo took off into the air. He ascended through the red sky, through the atmosphere, and into orbit. He floated in the void, looking down on the world. Credo raised his hand and pointed it at the planet. A large mass of energy built in his palm. It grew brighter by the second until it resembled a star in the distance. The team looked up to the sky.

Anderson: So what now?

Palmer: What else?

Credo: Goodbye.

An enormous beam of energy shot out of Credo's hand. It plummeted toward the planet. The light from it could be seen from every part of the world. Credo watched as it pierced the clouds and made it's way toward the ground, disappearing from view. He patiently awaited the outcome when suddenly, the beam shot back in the opposite direction, narrowly missing Credo himself. The energy flew back into space and vanished once again, reappearing only as flash in the distance. Credo looked upon the planet, searching for the cause. All was still for a moment. Then, a single light shone from the surface. It grew brighter and closer by the second. Credo looked perplexed.

Palmer: We hope...

As the light traveled, everything moved out of it's way, even clearing a large hole in the hell storm encasing the planet. The light finally made it's way to Credo and stopped.

Palmer: ...for a hero.

The light dissipated to reveal Ultiman. He wore a blue suit with more armor than the previous one. His cape was replaced with a body length red scarf with two tails running down his back, the visor had become a full helmet, and he wore his Proton Blade on his back.

Credo: So that is what happened. The Ultiman has returned.

Matt: Nope. Ultiman's gone. He died along with his friend while trying to escape the past...

Credo: Is that so? Then who is this person before me?

Matt: The one who's gonna take you down is ... Ultiman N.E.O.!!!

TO BE CONTINUED...

18: Ultimate Hero Crisis 15: Annihilation

Matt and Credo glared at each other as they floated in orbit. Down below, the team was back on the ground escorting civilians to safety and combating the last of the drones. The fighting momentarily calmed down as the team brought some civilians to an underground shelter.

Harding: That guy ... I thought...

Palmer: Luckily for us, the base circuitry of his suit remained in tact. All that needed be done was replace the shell. However, I decided to use the most recent developments in Hyperion technology to push it's potential to the maximum.

Lekhram: Umm, question. Why the hell did you wait until the guy was almost dead before doing that?

Palmer: Because that's the only way he'd allow me to. I had told him about this opportunity in the past. However, he turned me down completely. He didn't want anymore power.

Anderson: But in this situation, he decided to make an exception and take the thing.

Heiwajima: Because it was all he had left... and all we had left.

Palmer: Exactly. If there exists anything that can end this, it's the Nexus Energy Overdrive suit.

Matt's suit and energy flared up repeatedly similar to the revving of an engine causing small bursts of energy to puff out of every opening in the armor.

Ultiman N.E.O.: Feels good!

Credo: You intend to fight me?

Ultiman: That depends. Are you gonna give up and answer everything that you did?

Credo: There is nothing to give up. I've already reached my goal.

Ultiman: Then a fight it is.

Credo: I warn you, you would not fare much better than the humans you are protecting. However, I suppose the microscopic increment of power that you possess over one is worth using in this case.

Ultiman: And that's another thing. I want answers about... this.

Matt lifted his hand, allowing the energy to waft out.

Ultiman: I'm gonna make you spill everything about this stuff and just what you did to Firo!

Credo: Hmm? I will answer those questions for you right now if you like.

Ultiman: !

Credo: This is Hyperion energy. Simply put, it is a power so potent, that it can undo the laws of the universe that were set in place at the beginning of time, including time itself. A single unit of the energy can negate the gravity of something like a planet. That is how you utilize flight. Ignoring the laws of velocity increases your speed. And I am certain that you have dammed the flow of time more than once. You are incredibly strong young hero. The amount of energy you carry is high. However, mine is infinitely higher. No matter how you struggle, you will never reach me.

Matt looked down at his hands in contemplation. He then slowly looked back up.

Ultiman: ...what about Firo...

Credo: Nothing more than a prototype. The same can be said for you. Both of you were test subjects. Your purposes were to help me perfect the process that I underwent. Now that that end has been met, your usefulness has ceased.

Ultiman: I thought that's what that Haos monster was for. I know that you created it.

Credo: Ah, yes. The world eater. An early project to determine the energy's compatibility with life. Would you believe me if I told you that a common parasite injected with Hyperion would fly into space, absorbing anything it comes into contact with? It was once thought to be a failure but after observing how it interacted with you, my judgment changed.

Ultiman: Where the hell did you find this stuff?

Credo: After obtaining the technology to rip a small hole in the dimensional fabric, this energy came spewing out. Harvesting it the first time was no easy matter and many people died. Speaking of, those people, that you friend Firo rescued from the generator on that day... I immediately had all of them captured and quarantined. They all died shortly after from exposure. I apologize but, his actions that day amounted to nothing.

Matt went silent. He clenched his fist and his energy flared up violently.

Ultiman: You … monster... you... demon... I will make you pay for all the suffering you caused!

Credo: I'm not interested in dealing with you.

Ultiman: You never had a choice!

Credo: Tell me hero... what if... the Earth was under attack? By a creature like none had seen before? What would you do then?

Suddenly, down below a great light sprouted from the Earth. The ground started to shake and crack more violently. The ground split. Great canyons ripped across the planet destroying everything in their path. From inside one of the fault lines, a titanic claw reached up and lay on the surface. It was followed by another one and then several long tendrils. Finally, a reptilian creature's head made it's way up and towered above what was left of the world. People from all over panicked in terror as the monster let out a vicious roar. The team ran back up to the surface to find an enormous figure in the distance craning over the clouds. Matt looked down on the madness in shock.

Credo: Do you see hero? Your people need you. You should go...

At that moment, the communicator in the suit came on.

Palmer: Don't you go anywhere!

Ultiman: Troy!

Palmer: We'll handle things down here. Just focus on Credo!

Ultiman: But...

Palmer: We've got this. But we still need you to handle the biggest threat. The world needs it's hero. So get to work!

The communicator cut off. Matt was speechless at first. Then, he looked back to Credo.

Ultiman: Well, you heard the man. We're doin' this!

Credo: That's fine. I've actually become curious of the depth of your determination as a "hero". Show it to me.

Ultiman: You got it!

Ultiman flew at Credo. The hero shot out a flurry of powerful energy blasts. Around Credo, a faint energy barrier erected itself. When the blasts hit, they ricocheted off bursting in a shimmer of light. Ultiman pointed both of his palms at Credo and fired a large beam of energy. Credo vanished from where he was and reappeared several yards to the right. The beam scanned across the void, leaving a trail of explosions in its wake. After the lights died down, Matt spotted Credo again who didn't appear to be paying attention to his opponent. Ultiman paused and then charged Credo at full speed. He threw a powerful punch, only to have it blocked by the shield. Ultiman threw another punch followed by another until he was throwing a barrage of them, all of which also failed. Suddenly, the elbow pads of the suit lifted up to reveal thrusters embedded in them. When Matt reeled his fist back, the jet fired a burst of Hyperion backward, propelling the punch forward with greater force. With this, the punches came substantially faster until all that could be seen was countless bursts of blue light where Matt's arms used to be. However, all the attacks still could not pierce the shield. Finally, Credo looked back to Ultiman as the onslaught continued. The energy shield disappeared and one of the punches made it to Credo at last. But to the hero's dismay, Credo had only decided to catch the punch with his index finger. Ultiman looked astonished for a second only to follow with rising anger. The thruster on the armor fired again, this time getting massively larger until the after burn outsized them both exponentially.

Ultiman: HYAAAAAAAAAA!

Credo's hand still refused to budge even the slightest bit until finally the blast died out. Both of them were still for a moment. Then, an invisible force began to violently batter Ultiman from all sides and knock him away. After flying back a few miles, Matt regained his composure, and took off back towards Credo. He charged up energy in his legs as he flew. He shot his leg forward and aimed his body at Credo causing the energy to streak off like a comet.

Ultiman: Twin Comet Kick!

At the last second, Credo vanished again causing Ultiman to miss. He reappeared a second later only to see Ultiman change legs and throw a viscous roundhouse kick at him in the same moment. However, Credo casually blocked the kick with one hand. The attack caused a shock wave to ripple through the void. Credo then took the same hand and finger flicked Matt in the forehead. The force of it sent Matt flying to the far distance. When Ultiman reached Mars he crashed into the surface, causing the planet to break into pieces and fall apart. On Earth, the monster's gargantuan tendrils lashed around obliterating anything they hit be it cities or mountains. What was left of the Federation's worldwide forces made apathetic attempt to combat the beast with what few weapons and vehicles they had left. The bombs, missiles, and laser cannons fired at it had no effect as they harmlessly hit the scales.

Lekhram: Damn! That thing is friggin tough as hell!

Anderson: Our forces are dropping by the second. It's attacks are too much! And it hasn't even moved it's body yet!

Harding: Captain, you have to let us use the...

At that moment, Heiwajima's communicator picked up a call.

Agent 1: Sir, (pant) we can't hold out much longer here! It's just too big!

Heiwajima: Calm down! Give me a sit rep!

Agent 2: Komori, we need to get going! Now!

Komori: Ryuga! You made it back!

Heiwajima: Both of you, take everyone and get as far away from that thing as possible!

As they spoke, the creature finally began to turn it's scaly body toward the location of Heiwajima's subordinates as if it had heard precisely what was being said. It picked up it's gigantic claw, preparing to take a swipe.

Komori: Oh God! It's moving! I... I think it's looking this way!

Heiwajima: I said get out of there!

Ryuga: It's attacking! Komori, GET DOWN!

The monster reached out, swinging it's enormous claw at the ground. Upon impact, a massive amount of land was shredded apart. Tons of soil, rock, and everything else in the wake of the impact shot around for hundreds miles across the ground as well as into the atmosphere. On the communicator, all that could be heard were the sounds of destruction and a woman's screams followed by static.

Komori: PFFFFFFFFFZZ JI...RO PFFFFFFFFFFFZZZZZZZZZZZZ...

Heiwajima still held his communicator to his ear with a blank look on his face. The rest of his team sadly looked at the ground. His arm went limp and his hand dropped down. Finally, his eyes opened wide with burning rage and he crushed the communicator in his fist.

Heiwajima: Ore wa... aitsu o... korose... (That man... I'll kill him...)

Everyone looked at him with astonishment.

Heiwajima: Captain... I'm going to use my forbidden weapon.

Palmer: … Permission granted.

Heiwajima: Troy, with all due respect... I wasn't asking permission.

Lekhram: I guess that mean we can all let loose.

Harding: With the citizens underground, why not?

Anderson: Never though I'd see the day where we need these things.

Palmer: If there ever was a time, it is now. So fight!

Heiwajima: TRANSFER SYSTEM X: DEVIL SLAYER!

Heiwajima touched 3 panels on his belt. A great light erupted from it and when it died down, Heiwajima was replaced with a large white mech who's height rivaled many of the city's buildings. The creature recovered from it previous attack, debris still falling from it's claw. It then turned its attention to the team. Suddenly, 3 tendrils came rocketing across the distance headed for New Haven City. The team spotted the impending attack on the horizon. Without notice, Heiwajima took off running toward them on foot holding his sword behind him. The blade began to glow a bright white. The tendrils approached quickly, creating sonic booms as they traveled. Just before they reached the edge of the city, Heiwajima swung his weapon. The in an instant, the blade extended for miles on end. It reached out far past the city and intercepted the tendrils. On contact, the blade sheared through all 3 of the creature's appendages causing massive amounts of blood to spew out and form small lakes in moments. As the blade moved, it also carved through a large chunk of the city's buildings and structures. The monster roared in pain as it severed tendrils fell to the ground just outside of the city, still squirming. The enraged beast prepared it's claw to make another swipe. Heiwajima was about to swing again when Lekhram's face appeared on the mech's inside monitor. Heiwajima looked at him and saw the crazed look in Lekhram's eyes and his insane grin.

Lekhram: Stop hoggin all the damn fun!

Lekhram touched his belt panels and the light shone out once more.

Lekhram: TRANSFER SYSTEM X: HAIL GUN!

When it cleared, a large turret containing 2 high powered railguns had planted itself in the ground. Lekhram grabbed the controls and the guns began to charge up. The creature began to bring its claw down once again. Lekhram pointed the weapon at the creature and pulled the trigger. Then, each of the rail guns began firing one after the other in rapid succession. In a moment, the sky was filled with countless electrified rail gun shots. They cleared the distance in a second and began to pelt the monster all over it's body, exploding on impact.

The creature flinched and ceased it's attack as it was continually bombarded.

Lekhram: YAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA, YEAH! THIS IS WHAT I LIVE FOR! DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE, DIIIIEEEE!

The monster soon became furious. It opened it's mouth and began charging a mass of energy.

Anderson: TRANSFER SYSTEM X: MASS EXTINCTION!

Anderson touched his belt panels and when the light died down he held a small holo projector in his hands. It opened up and projected a world map.

Anderson: I won't let you!

The map zoomed in and pinpointed the location of the creature, targeting it. Up in orbit, a single jumbo satellite directed itself at the creature.

Holo projector: Accessing... all lockouts bypassed... all systems ready for use... weapon configuration active... energizing...

The satellite opened up and a massive plasma cannon extended from it. The monster was on the verge of attacking when Anderson gave the command.

Anderson: FIRE!

Suddenly, a massive beam of golden light fell from the sky, landing a direct hit on it's target. The monster fell over from the impact while releasing it's attack causing it to miss. The blast flew over the city and off into the sky, exploding in a great flash. Gusts of wind ripped through the region while the sound reached even further.

Harding: We're not done yet!

Harding touched her belt panels and a small headset with an eye screen appeared on her face.

Harding: TRANSFER SYSTEM X: FLY AWAY!

She touched a button on the side and the screen zoomed in on the stumbling monster locking on to it. At that moment, back at the base the floor of the hangar opened up to reveal an underground launch track. It had on it a small, sleek jet with no cockpit. The track lit up and the thrusters on the jet fired. The jet started to move slowly. However, within a second the thrusters fired again and the jet rocketed from the hangar with such speed that it destroyed the building itself. After reaching cruising altitude, the jet tucked back it's wings and with even greater speed, took off toward the monster. The jet began picking up speed until it wasn't visible to the human eye anymore. However, the monster still spotted it on it's route. The monster's remaining tendrils launched themselves at the jet attempting to knock it out of the air. However, even at it's hypersonic speeds, the jet still skillfully maneuvered itself out of the way. The monster's eyes lit up and it fired laser beams from them. Even with that, the jet made it's way to the target unhindered. The jet finally made it's way over the monster's head. For just an instant, it slowed down once again. A panel on the underside opened up and a bomb slid out. The bomb dropped down directly on the monster and detonated as the plane regained it's previous speed and retreated. The explosion consumed the monster as well as the entire region it resided in. The force blew away anything it contacted and left complete ruin behind. Nothing could be seen through the titanic smoke cloud that loomed over the area. All was silent for a moment. Then the ground started to shake once again. Light could be seen from the inside of the cloud. A roar erupted causing some of the smoke to clear. The beast was badly injured. It was missing a portion of it outer hide and part of it's head was blasted off along with an arm. Blood was pouring out of every wound and the beast was having trouble breathing. However, with a lunge it pulled itself out of the ground and came barreling at the team's location. It pulled itself along with it's claws while it's long snake body slithered out of the Earth behind it and the ground quaked as it thundered along. Lekhram fired up his Hail Gun once more and sprayed the creature with a barrage of shots. But this time, the creature simply charged through them, blind with rage. Heiwajima stepped up again and activated his sword. The blade shot out and swung at the creature from the side. The blade lodged itself in the creature's side, slowing it down. However, it quickly shook off the attack and continued it's advance.

Heiwajima: Damn!

Lekhram: Ha! That all you got ninja boy?

Heiwajima scowled at Lekhram for a second and then turned back to the fight. He retracted his blade and then quickly activated it again. This time, the sword shot directly at the monster stabbing deep into it's flesh. This time it came to a complete halt while trying to push through. Heiwajima was struggling to hold it in place. Lekhram stopped firing for a moment and reconfigured his turret. The railguns came together and formed a single barrel. The electrified energy charged up inside and then shot as one humongous blast. The shot struck the monster square in it's head causing it to snap back. As this happened Heiwajima grabbed the weapon throttle and pushed it to it's highest level causing the blade to extend more. He finally forced it through the monster's torso, slicing it as well as a mountain far behind it clean in half. The creature fell to pieces. The weapons that Lekhram and Heiwajima were using looked burned out and vanished momentarily. The two were breathing heavily. The team gathered together once more and without looking at each other, Lekhram and Heiwajima fist bumped. Everyone was calming down when the monster started to move again. The half with the arm attempted to get up once more while it's lower body made an attempt to re-atatch itself to the torso.

Harding: What the hell! That thing is goddamn tenacious!

Palmer: All of you stand back. I'll finish! Excellent job to you all!

Palmer touched his belt panels and out of the light came 2 cybernetic gauntlets over his hands.

Palmer: TRANSFER SYSTEM X: FLASH VOID!

Palmer pointed his palms at the sky in the creature's direction. Suddenly, the red sky began to twist until it pulled open revealing pitch darkness. The rift opened wider until it became a black hole. Everything under it began to get pulled up into it. The body slowly lifted off the ground and up into the void. The creature roared and struggled but to no avail. It ascended upwards where it vanished without a trace. Then, the hole started to shrink down until it completely vanished. Their fight was over. Palmer looked back to the sky.

Palmer: We're not in the clear just yet.

Out of the wreckage of Mars, Matt emerged unharmed. He vanished in a flash of light and reappeared closer to Earth.

Credo: Welcome back.

Ultiman: Stop playing with me!

Ultiman pulled his Proton Blade off his back with one hand. Without warning, he vanished and reappeared behind Credo slashing him with the blade. He teleported again and reappeared on the side, attacking once more. Matt continually vanished and reappeared countless more times until it appeared that several heroes were fighting Credo at once. Matt finally decided to stop jumping and bombard Credo with sword strikes on his chest. He then jumped back and came in for one final slash. The blade overflowed with energy as Matt flew towards his enemy. He struck Credo as hard as he straight across the chest. However, upon impact the blade feebly snapped and harmlessly floated away. Credo still didn't move a muscle. Matt looked at his blade and the back to Credo.

Ultiman: What the hell!

Credo: You requested that I, "stop playing with you". So I simply ceased to pretend that I needed to dodge you assaults.

Matt was left speechless.

Credo: Now then... I suppose I should I should strike you back, yes?

Ultiman: All this time... you...

Out of nowhere, an invisible force hit Matt all over his body once again without Credo moving at all. Credo then vanished and reappeared on Matt's left. He punched Matt square in the jaw causing the helmet to crack. Matt went flying off, only to be caught by Credo again and punched several more times at high speed. Then, Credo grabbed Matt by his leg and savagely threw him at the Earth. Matt became bathed in the fire of reentry as he fell to the surface, headed straight for the team. They all looked up above in shock. But before he could hit the ground, Credo appeared under him and kicked him back out into space, then proceeding to take off after him. Matt flew until he hit the asteroid belt crashing through countless rocks. Credo caught up to him and punched him again. Matt continued to fly until he reached Saturn, leaving a trail in it's ring of ice and stone. Credo met him there as well kicked him further still. Matt passed the edge of the solar system momentarily, where Credo finally allowed him to rest. Matt managed to slowly pull himself back together. His breathing was heavy and he looked as if his right arm was failing him. Credo simply stared at him.

Credo: Have you realized you place yet, hero?

Matt didn't say a word. Instead, he charged Credo once again. With his remaining arm, Matt punched Credo's face several times. However, Credo's cheek didn't move at all. At last, Credo slapped Matt's hand out of the way kicked him in his chest once more. The hero drifted a short distance and came to a stop. Credo then outstretched his arms with his palms facing outwards. Inside of his palms, small balls of gas gathered and ignited into tiny fire balls. They then began to expand, destroying everything and anything they touched. The two fire balls continued to grow until they reached the size of stars. Matt and Credo floated between two infinite walls of fire. Their gravitational pulls reeled in asteroids and nearby planets, reducing them all to nothing. Matt was astonished at the sight. Credo then brought the two suns crashing together on Matt. The two fused for a moment into a super-sized star. It then violently exploded into a supernova which obliterated all matter in it's reach. The explosion was visible for light years and lit up the solar system more brightly than old sun. After a few moments, Credo waved his hand and cleared away the gas clouds enshrouding the area. Matt's body floated limply nearby. Most of his armor had been destroyed leaving a single glove, part of his under-suit, and the shredded remains of his scarf hanging from his neck. Matt opened one of his eyes. He couldn't manage to move the rest of his body.

Credo: And so here we are, at the end of your abilities. You faired precisely as I thought you would. Barely better than an average human.

Matt managed to build up some energy in his hand and attempted to lift it up at Credo. However, before he could react Credo had plunged his hand into Matt's chest and firmly grabbed him by the spine. Matt's eyes widened as he looked into Credo's face. From inside Matt's body, Credo repeatedly discharged bursts of energy. Each one illuminated the void and sent a shock wave out. After several blasts, Matt's eyes rolled back in his head and blood spewed from his mouth and ears. Credo finally stopped, still holding Matt in hand. Back on Earth, everyone looked to the sky in silence. People had decided to come out from hiding and carefully looked around. Suddenly in the sky, the clouds all disappeared. Credo cast an image of himself on the sky for all to see.

Credo: Humans... this is your hero...

Credo held up Matt's lifeless body to the world. His head hung back and his mouth was still open. His body was bruised and burned and his armor was unrecognizable. Everyone gasped in terror. Some cried and others simply fell to the ground. The team dropped their heads in despair. Palmer closed his eyes and looked away.

Anderson: Damn... we lost...

Credo: Lost?

Everyone jumped as Credo appeared in their midst while still up on the projection.

Credo: Saying that you lost would imply that there was a challenge to begin with. Tell me, do you declare victory and rejoice every time you step on an insect?

Lekhram: Bastard!

Heiwajima: That's enough!

Heiwajima attempted to punch Credo. But before he could land the hit, the clone vanished completely.

Credo: Now sink into oblivion...

Credo extended a single finger. He poked and it sunk into a liquid like substance. He quickly ripped it open, tearing a hole in the universe. The rip expanded and acted as a black hole, sucking in everything in existence. The Earth and the rest of the solar system were being pulled in. Credo looked at Matt one more time before he finally let go. Matt's body fell headfirst into the void and completely disappeared. At last, Credo simply stood back and watched as everything fell into nothing.

TO BE CONTINUED...

19: Ultimate Hero Crisis 16: Save Us...

The universe was slowly pulled apart by the rip Credo created. Piece by piece, the darkness expanded and consumed consumed everything in it's path. Earth patiently awaited it's demise as all people from every walk of life lamented the death of their hero. Some cities were consumed in riots and suicide while others were simply silent with prayer.

Man: There's gotta be something, anything, we can do!

Woman: The military, federation, all of them... useless!

The team sat in various places, simply contemplating. Suddenly, Lekhram stood up and looked off into the distance with his back to everyone else.

Lekhram: Well … it was a good try at least! I got no regrets. Not a one.

Everyone looked at him.

Harding: Rajeev...

Lekhram: I'm serious! I really don't feel sore at all! Hehehe!

Palmer walked over to Lekhram and put his hand on his shoulder. Lekhram turned to face him. He was wearing a large, forced smile. However, it was accompanied by a a heavy stream of tears trickling down his face.

Palmer: You're not wrong... It's like I said, you all fought excellently. There's nothing else to be said on it, and nothing to be ashamed of either.

At those words, Lekhram's smile finally broke. His head dropped and he cried in sorrow as he endeavored to wipe his tears with his sleeves.

Lekhram: DAMMIT!

Harding: Captain, how can y...

Harding stopped speaking when she noticed the Captain balling his fist up so tightly that it was bleeding. She looked to Anderson. He held a small video game in his hand though the screen was completely blank. His eyes carried a deep sadness which she had never seen in him before. She then looked to Heiwajima. He appeared to be broken beyond recognition. He simply stared at the ground as if his soul itself was gone. Harding looked away for a moment. But she then stood up. She walked over to Anderson and reached out her hand. He simply stared at it for a moment. However, he took it and stood up. The two of them walked over to Heiwajima. His attention didn't shift in the slightest. However, Harding and Anderson each grabbed one of his arms and pulled him to his feet. He finally looked up at his teammates. Together, three of them walked over to Palmer and Lekhram. Without a word, they all interlocked arms and turned their faces to the sky. They were showered in light as celestial bodies collided and stars collapsed. Darkness neared the solar system rapidly. The sun was caught up the rip's pull and became unstable. It violently exploded, obliterating everything around it. At that moment, all five soldiers shouted out with all their heart.

Team: YEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!

There was simply a flash before everything was eaten by the abyss.

Matt: It's dark... very dark... I'm falling... I think... I can't see anything... so dark...

Matt attempted to move his body. But his brain signals failed to conduct his body. He wasn't even certain if his body was still there. He continued falling for what felt like hours. His sense of time began to fall apart as he descended further and further. Space didn't seem to be present either. Nothing existed at all in the void. Suddenly, a small circle of light appeared in the distance. It was tiny but distinct. It slowly began to overtake the the void until it replaced the darkness completely. Now in a void made of light Matt finally opened his eyes. He squinted from the brightness, looking around. He could now see his body, but nothing else. The injuries he had received from the fight had vanished without a trace, but his armor was still gone.

Matt: So... this is the end of the line huh? Emptier than I though it would be...

Matt tried squirming and moving around but couldn't push off of anything. The most he could manage was to flip himself upside down, although it felt no different from the position he was in before.

Matt: I still can't move.

?: Looks that way.

Matt: Maybe I have to wait for something.

?: I doubt that.

Matt: I think I can see something over there.

?: I highly doubt that.

Matt: Would you shut the hell up?! I'm trying to be dead over here!

Firo: Make me, dumbass!

Matt and Firo stared at each other for a moment. Then they laughed together a little for the first time in a long time. Firo was still wearing his combat armor. However, all the damage inflicted on it was gone. His body was devoid of the scars and deformations he had underwent and his pupils were visible again.

Matt: I really messed up, huh?

Firo: I wouldn't necessarily say so.

Matt: And after all everyone did. So what was the point to it all? All the stuff that we did?

Firo: Well, everything has some kind of meaning.

Matt: Not in this case. Everything's gone...

Firo: ...even if a hero doesn't win, the fact that he gave it everything he had is the only thing that matters. And nothing can erase that. Not ever.

Matt:... Hehehe, dude you sound so lame right now!

Firo: Piss off!

Matt: But you're right. As long as the battle's fought to the end, I...

Firo: But maybe...

Matt: Huh?

Firo: What if the battle's not over yet?

Matt: I – I don't know what else to do...

Matt looked doubtful for a second. However, he soon found his conviction once again.

Matt: But... I'll try again. One more time. As long as I do something, anything that I can, that's enough, right?

Firo: Well said.

Matt: You taught me that, you know?

Firo: Wow, I guess I did...

Matt: You taught me a lot of things, man. Even at the end. Seriously, thank you.

Firo: Tch, just kick his ass, Matt!

Matt: You know it, Firo!

Matt and Firo fistbumped. They were now both in regular clothing as if they had never left the academy. They were then kids again, just like the day that they met. The two friends gave each other a huge smile before the light void became blinding, whiting out everything.

Matt opened his eyes again. He was in the dark void once again. He could now feel his body, but it felt as though it were encased in cement. Matt was unable to move at all.

Matt: As long as I try, that's all that matters. OK! Here I go!

Matt closed his eyes, trying to focus. At first, nothing happened. However, his energy began to seep out once again.

Matt: No, that's not right...

Matt focused even harder. Nothing changed. He focused harder still until finally, his energy transformed into violet fire, like Firo's Dimension Armor. It then blazed strongly and became blue like his energy.

Matt: Yes! Yeah, yeah, yeah!

Matt was now able to move his body as the void became less like cement and more like water.

Matt: Firo, It worked! Your little trick came in handy! I make the rules now.

Matt willed invisible ground to stand on. He then spread his feet apart and began lifting his arms. A kind of film formed around his hands as if the void had become a physical thing. The harder he pushed, the deeper his hands sank into the void. It was extremely heavy, but Matt continued relentlessly until he had fully extended his arms.

Matt: Alright! Here … I … GOOO!

Matt leapt and took off upwards, still carrying the void. The armor began to burn more and more brightly as Matt ascended, continually picking up speed along the way.

Matt: ALL THE WAY!

Credo sat in a space of pure gray and black. There was no sound or movement besides his own. He closed his fist. When he opened it back up, a single speck of light appeared and floated upward. It then slowly started to grow and sprout small arms until it formed a miniature galaxy, swirling in the palm of Credo's hand.

As he was admiring it, the black and gray space cracked. The fabric of it broke open piece by piece. Credo crushed the galaxy in anger.

Credo: What is this? What is happening?

When the crack fully split, black with splashes of color came rushing through like a kind of liquid. Planets, stars, gas clouds, and everything else was haphazardly flung through space as it took it's place in reality once again. Matt finally emerged from the void, blazing brightly and illuminating the area like a blue star.

Credo: You … survived... how?

Matt: Credo, you've caused caused unimaginable destruction. And you took an innumerable lives. I failed to stop you before... But...

Credo: But what? It as you said everything and everyone that mattered in this existence is no more. This is on top of the fact that nothing has changed. You still have nowhere near the power to pose a challenge to me. You might as well die for good as my new world comes into being.

Matt: But... I have the chance to keep fighting. To make everything right. So no matter what my chances appear to be … I'LL TAKE THEM!

Credo: I see... You still stand, even though you have nothing to gain from it. You truly are the last son of humanity. A race of fools who know not their place. Power is everything. And those who lack it are nothing. Hero called Ultiman, I will impart this lesson to you one final time. It will become your truth as I reduce your pitiful being into atoms, then reduce those atoms to quarks, and then scrub each and every one out space and time itself!

Credo pointed his hand at Matt. It began to glow with golden light as he charged up an attack. However, Matt merely smirked. Suddenly, a patch of black fire sprung up from thin air. Credo's eyes widened. Another arose right next to it, followed by another. Countless patches of fire began springing up all over space. The planets were engulfed and the stars were dyed black with it.

Matt: From that look on your face, I can tell that Firo never told you about this move. Probably because on some level, he knew you'd pull some crap like this.

Credo: Its everywhere... when...

Matt: Just before I pulled that darkness dumpster inside out, I covered as much of the crunched up space as I could in wisps and let them spread. The universe did the rest. Now, it's time for the best part!

As Matt said this, the flames blazed bright blue, encasing everything in azure light. Nothing could be seen for a moment. Then, the blue light began to retract. It all was being pulled into Matt's body at untold speed.

Matt: HYAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGHHHHH!

As the energy built up in Matt's body, it began to change. His skin ignited as the energy encased him from head to toe. The Hyperion overflowed and cascaded outward. His face was covered in a visor once again, though his glowing eyes were now visible through them. Finally, his scarf was remade as as twin streams of red energy extending from a bundle of it around his neck that blazed like fire.

Credo: There's no way you could have absorbed all that energy. You are only a human!

Matt: You're right. I am a human. And I am the foolish last son of humanity. But I'm also Firo's friend, and the guy who got screwed with having to set all this right. But I'm going to! Because … I'm...

The energy finally completely flowed into Matt. Ribbons of light now encircled the universe on it's borders, containing it.

Matt: ULTIMAN UNIVERSE!

TO BE CONTINUED...

20: Ultimate Hero Crisis 17: Day

Ultiman Universe illuminated the dark of empty space. Credo widened his blank green eyes in astonishment.

Credo: Well... this is an unexpected development. I am unfamiliar with your current form.

Ultiman: Me too. I'm curious to see what it is.

Credo: Then it is sad that you will not get the chance. All you have done is simply a waste of time.

Credo pointed his index finger at the hero and a second later, a beam of energy shot out. However, the blast dissipated before it could touch the hero.

Credo: I see. So you have figured out how to erect a barrier. Clever but not quite good enough.

Ultiman: Barrier?

Credo fired more blasts, though still none could reach Ultiman.

Credo: Hmm...

Credo sped over to Ultiman in an instant. He was ready to throw a punch when a large dent appeared in the side of his face. He flew a short distance and stopped.

Credo: And it seems that you have become acquainted with my telekinesis as well. Interesting...

Ultiman: Dude, what are you talking about? I didn't do any of that stuff. All I did was hit you.

Credo: Foolishness!

Credo sped over to Ultiman again. He threw a flurry of punches and kicks while teleporting on all sides of his opponent. Still none connected even though the hero appeared to be perfectly still. Finally, Ultiman caught one of Credo's fists and held it tightly in his hand.

Ultiman: See? No tricks.

At that, Credo vanished in a flash and reappeared a short distance away. He looked intently at his hand.

Credo: That's not possible. I did not see him move. That would mean that his speed escaped my eyes. Nothing escapes these eyes...

Credo turned to Ultiman and made a choking motion with his hand. Ultiman's contracted as if being squeezed. Credo then teleported behind Ultiman and readied an attack. However, the hero broke free and hit Credo's face just the same. He then followed up with a brutal knee to the stomach, causing Credo to slump over in pain.

Ultiman: Looks like you actually felt that one.

Credo remain slumped over as he spoke.

Credo: So that's it... fascinating... it seems that I have miscalculated. For both you and Firo.

Credo stood up once more.

Credo: From here on out, I am forced to use my senses and body at their potential. Through your death, you have attained the power of a god. Truly an anomaly of the highest caliber. However, my world has no need for 2 gods. So even now, I cannot allow you to exist.

Ultiman: Looks like the feelings mutual. I won't let you do whatever the hell you want. Because I'm gonna set everything right, once and for all!

Credo: Then let the war of gods begin!

Credo and Ultiman flew at each other . Their fists met one after another as their barrages of punches collided. Finally, one of Credo's punches got through and grazed Ultiman's cheek. However, Ultiman returned a punch that clipped Credo's shoulder. Credo grunted with frustration as the two flew apart from each other.

Ultiman: I can handle anything you got old man!

Credo raised his hand above his hand. Slowly, everything began to dim and a light grew in Credo's palm.

Credo: Then handle every photon in creation! QUADRILLION VOLT SHOWER!!!

Suddenly, a neon ring formed out of the light that Credo held. It then exploded outward into a storm of multi-colored spears. Ultiman dodged a countless number of them with speed alone. He then charged up energy and then sprayed the incoming maelstrom, exploding with flashes of neon light them as it scanned across. The remaining spears flew into the distance, annihilating everything that they touched be it planet or star. Everything was engulfed in an ocean of colors rippling throughout space. Credo and Ultiman’s eyes were fixed on each other, monitoring every inch of each other. Then in an instant, both were trading blows once more. Their punches and kicks flew more violently than ever before. As they fought, they flew around and incredible speed, streaking across the darkness like 2 shooting stars dancing with one another. They were leaving streaks of light hovering wherever they went as their energies flared intensely. Finally, Credo landed a solid kick on Ultiman’s stomach and sent him flying. The hero doubled over in pain for a moment and then regained his composure.

Credo: Come, hero. This fight is not done. Let us both explore the extent of true power.

Ultiman: Wouldn't have it any other way!

Ultiman charged Credo once more at full speed. However the instant he got within striking distance, Credo landed a solid hit on his face. Ultiman threw several punches back, but every single one got blocked and Credo landed 3 more hits on Ultiman.

Ultiman: What the hell! I can’t keep up with him anymore. What happened?

Credo: Are you having trouble?

Ultiman: Wait, something’s wrong here. I feel something weird hovering around, as if he was controlling… I got it! You’re messing with time!

Credo: How perceptive of you. You are no longer able to guard against my attacks. By taking 2 points in time and pulling them together, I can make an action instantaneous. For example, the point in time where I create a fist, and the point when it gets to where your head is.

Credo clenched his fist and threw a punch at Ultiman who sidestepped it immediately. However, all color inverted for a split second. The hero was then back where he started as Credo’s punch was thrown forcing it to make contact with his opponent. Ultiman reeled back for a moment.

Credo: I call it TIME SHUT.

Ultiman: Damn it!

Credo: So, how will you respond to this?

Ultiman simply looked at Credo for a moment. He then charged Credo once more as before. Credo scoffed in disgust without moving.

Credo: Half-witted child!

Credo threw another punch. Ultiman dodged only to have Credo rearrange time to his liking. However, time moved again allowing the hero to block and counterattack. Astonished, Credo dodged himself only to have another fist instantly fly toward his head.

Credo: This boy learned the concept of my Time Shut after a simple explanation. What is he?

He used Time Shut once more only to have Ultiman counter with the same followed by another counter. The two were trading blows evenly once again. All color was constantly inverted, transforming space into an endless white void decorated with small black pinholes. As their fists flew at each other faster and faster space itself began to fracture slowly, creating a black rift around to two fighters. On the inside of it only colors could be seen, swirling around and mixing into otherworldly forms of light. Suddenly, the two simultaneously broke apart from one another. The newly created rift slammed shut, throwing a shockwave throughout the area. Credo and Ultiman then began throwing barrages of energy blasts at each other. Each blast found an opposing blast, preventing either side from progressing. As they collided, each pair exploded like a gargantuan fireworks display of yellow and blue. As before, their throws became faster and more forceful by the second until the entire foreseeable area was engulfed in a storm of energy blasts. The war finally came to a halt when the two enemies began charging energy. Ultiman’s energy flared as did Credo’s until they finally fired full beams at each other. The two streams of energy clashed, radiating a bright green light all around.

Ultiman: I won’t quit Credo! I can’t! Not now!

Credo: That will not be necessary because you will perish here! You’re at your limit!

The two fighters pushed with all of their might, forcing the beams to become stronger and more brilliant with each passing second. The section where the two beams crossed fluxed back and forth as each fighter struggled on their end.

Ultiman: I guess that’s the thing about fighting for others… there ARE NO LIMITS!!!

Ultiman’s energy output increases exponentially in size until it was simply a wave of blue light, surging forth like a celestial jet stream. Credo’s energy could no longer hold it back and he was completely engulfed in it and washed away. The blast flew across several light-years of space and plowed through any solar system it passed through, leaving a trail of light and destruction along the way. It finally met with a distant pulsar, causing an explosion that lit up the vast darkness. Gas and particles were littered about and the residual energy of the blast slowly faded. Credo floated motionlessly through the void allowing himself to drift. In a flash, Ultiman appeared nearby and glowing brightly.

Credo: How? This vermin … scum … vile filth … you dare to impede the work of a god?

Ultiman: For a god, you’re a pretty sore loser. Which is a very human quality for you to have.

Credo shot a disgusted look at Ultiman at those words.

Credo: Wretched child! You know nothing of me! Of this power!

Ultiman: I know that this is over. I’m fixing everything you destroyed and ending this nightmare. And I’ll start by taking your power.

Credo snapped upright upon hearing this.

Credo: Taking my power? God’s power? I will never allow that!

Credo charged up an energy blast. However, just as he readied it to fire, Matt was already in front of Credo. The hero grabbed him by his arm and twisted violently effectively ending the attack and rendering the arm useless. Credo let out a shriek of pain and began to retreat.

Credo: You will not stop me human! I will simply take a different universe, no, a dimension! And then I shall return to conquer this one. You have not won!

Credo flew off into the distance. As he flew, a hole opened in the fabric of space creating portal. Credo flew through it causing it and himself to vanish into this air. Credo emerged on a planet in a foreign space. Clouds of gas swayed like ocean currents after being ejected from deep dark crevices just before being pulled back in as if the ground itself was breathing. Bizarre lights drifted calmly by but then went through short spats where they whizzed around at incredible speeds before returning to their previous state. Countless unknown creatures zipped around with seemingly no heed to gravity. Odd noises akin to whales in the ocean as well as electrical discharge also filled the realm. Credo looked around in amazement as he made he flew through the strange world. However, he stopped and turned around when he heard a familiar sound behind him. He saw the place where he had just emerged from begin to warp and ripple like the surface of water. It continued until glowing blue fingers could be seen piercing the space. They slowly pulled the rift apart. Finally, Ultiman tore it wide open and peered inside looking infuriated. Credo was dumbfounded.

Credo: You followed me here? How? You could not have possibly found this exact place in the infinite cosmos!

Ultiman: You... You bastard! You ruin the lives of everyone you touch, bring ruin to the world, decimate the universe with no remorse! And now, once I confront you, you have the nerve to run?! … I'll kick your ass a TRILLION TIMES HARDER FOR THAT!!!

Ultiman jumped through the portal and flew at Credo who fled from him. Credo created another portal. Through it, several more portals could be seen, linking one universe to the next. Each portal led to a world vastly different then the last. Some were fiery realms where the plasma flared as far the eye could see while others were dank wastelands where the sky appeared to be an abyss. Credo flew through all of them, closing each one after use. However, no matter how many times he jumped worlds, Ultiman would blast through the space like glass, relentlessly giving chase. Ultiman finally had finally had enough when he took on an incredible burst of speed, easily overtaking Credo. Ultiman grabbed him by the face and held tight. Credo struggled to get free but to no avail. The hero dragged Credo through a world of pure energy where storms of radiation raged in all directions constantly. Credo was violently battered by the waves. Ultiman finally blasted through the fabric of space once more, returning to his own reality. He finally released Credo, tossing him into the distance. He drifted motionlessly through space. Ultiman then clapped his hands together and began gathering energy.

Ultiman: I’m ending this.

Credo: No… you will not win… I will not let you… I will not LOOOSE!!!

Credo came back to life. His golden energy started to overflow violently, covering his body. In an instant he lunged at Ultiman, going at full speed. However, the hero didn't mind. He simply pulled his hand apart and allowed the light to blossom outward.

Ultiman: Transfer System …

The light formed into a large blade, similar to his Proton Blade but with several more jagged edges, slightly resembling a lightning bolt. He slowly raised the light blade above his head, causing it to shine increasingly more brightly until it could be seen throughout space. Credo continued his charge. Ultiman allowed him to get within striking distance of the blade before bringing it down in one swift motion.

Ultiman: … X-Calibur…

The instant the blade was swung Credo stopped dead in his tracks. The blade then dissipated, allowing everything to dim. The hero then calmly watched in silence. Everything was still. Then a single white line formed out of thin air where the blade had passed. It ran straight up and down, bisecting Credo’s entire body. The line then stretched out infinitely into the universe, bisecting everything it crossed. Slowly, the two halves that were divided by the line began to drift away from each other. One half of Credo’s body drifted upward while the other went downward. This included the solar system, the galaxy, and the rest of the universe, excluding Matt himself.

Ultiman: Whoops… Maybe I overdid it. What the hell do I do now?

The hero reached out and clutched at each half of space with one hand. He then strained heavily attempting to pull them back together. After a moment, the halves finally began to move back into place. He then gave a sigh of relief and relaxed. Credo still sat motionlessly, watching his victorious opponent.

Credo: What… what kind of power was that?

Ultiman: Now be a good little tyrant and stay right there. I’ve got a lot of work to do.

The hero turned his back to Credo and looked out into the vast distance. He extended his arms with his palms out, causing the fabric of space to vibrate. As it rippled more and more strongly, a portal opened up. Inside was a realm of pure Hyperion energy. It blazed brightly like a multicolored wildfire while also flowing like water. Matt looked amazed by it’s strange and hypnotizing beauty. He then approached the portal, intending to enter. However, suddenly, Credo sprung on Matt and grabbed him tightly by the shoulders. He was shaking violently. His entire body twitched erratically. His fingers also became more claw-like, digging deeply into Matt’s body. Matt screamed in pain. Credo’s blank face started to open up, revealing a disturbingly large mouth. It opened as if it was covered in some sort of sludge and had horridly jagged fangs of the same color as his skin. The inside of the mouth was completely green with a glow being emitted from deep within his body.

Ultiman: Get the hell off me!

Credo: It is mine! All of it… mine! You will never have it… I will devour all of reality and build a new one on your grave!!!

Ultiman tried to shake him off, but Credo refused to let go.

Ultiman: I said, GET THE HELL OFF ME!!!

Finally, the hero gave a massive omnidirectional discharge of energy that decimated everything. Credo flew for a short distance. Before stopping.

Credo: They think you are a hero for simply becoming strong and putting on a costume? You are still nothing but a foolish human! Worthless! Just like all the rest!

At these words, Ultiman flew at Credo.

Ultiman: No! They didn’t call me a hero because of these powers!

The blue energy dissipated from around Matt revealing his original body.

Ultiman: And not because of some dumb costume.

Matt tore the remaining piece if his scarf from around his neck.

Ultiman: I’m a hero because I’ll NEVER let bastards like you WIN!!!

Matt collided with Credo, giving him a savage head-butt. A mighty shockwave ripped throughout space followed by complete calm. Credo lay completely still. His forehead slowly began to crack, allowing bright green light from inside to spill out. The rest of his body began to chip away and break as well leaving nothing but a normal man. Credo fell unconscious and simply drifted away.

Matt: Jeez. Finally. Now stay there!

Matt turned back to the portal. He slowly approached it, took a deep breath, and then dove in. The colors enveloped him and a rushed by like ocean waves. Matt made his way deeper and deeper into the realm and then stopped.

Matt: Alright. There’s only one way to set everything right. I’ll seal this place off and make sure that this stuff never did and never will get into my world. That should work, right Firo? I’m not sure what’ll happen to me though… But I’m kinda excited to see. Haha, let’s find out!

Matt raises his hand. The energy begins to swirl around him at incredible speed. It engulfs Matt’s body from top to bottom causing him a bit of pain. However, he doesn't budge and keeps the action going. The energy keeps swirling faster and faster. It then bursts outward, whiting out everything. Years in the past on Earth, several scientists stand around a large machine in a lab. It looks similar to the Hyperion generators but slightly less advanced. One of the researchers turns the machine on. If slowly fires up and the fabric of space in one particular area begins to vibrate. A small portal begins to open and the neon Hyperion energy can be seen inside. The scientists look at it with awe and talk among themselves. However, the hole begins to give off a sort of electrical discharge and closes with a snap. The researchers look at each other for a moment and then give up in defeat.

Scientist: Looks like another failure. I just don’t know what else to do with this machine.

Credo: Get rid of it. It’s no use.

Credo leaves the laboratory. At this moment, a white light begins to overtake everything, leaving nothing behind. At all the other points in time, the scenes blank out, unbeknownst to the people in them until time has vanished. The white then turns to black and all is a void. The sun rises. Haven City is busy as always as people go about their days. The Federation has their orientation day. A unit leader takes his new recruits through the facilities to get acquainted with them. They came to a large metal door with beautiful designs across the surface.

Unit Leader: And this is the meeting room. This is where high ranking members of the Federation come together to assess various things and decide the best courses of action.

Suddenly, the door slid open. Several Federation officials walked out. The last one to leave was a handsome young man with well-groomed blond hair and the only uniform with a red interior. He looked at the new recruits and smiled.

Firo: Hey, what’s up guys? I hope you come to like it here. See ya around!

Firo walked off, leaving the crowd in awe. Firo rushed out of the building and into the complex. It was abuzz with activity as always. As Firo is walking, an air bike quickly pulls up next to him. The rider wears a helmet and the bike has a rose design going up the side. The rider takes off their helmet.

Firo: Hey, Lisa. Where’re you off to?

Lisa: I have some time off, so I figured I’d catch a movie with some friends.

Firo: Hmph, lucky. I have meetings every day this week.

Lisa: Sucks to be you then. Especially since that concert they're having downtown is tomorrow night.

Firo: Well... maybe I could slip away just for a bit.

Lisa: Haha, awesome. Then I guess I'll see you there. Stay gold, Firo!

Firo: Later!

Lisa puts her helmet back on and quickly pulls off, whipping up a bit of dust. Firo continues on ahead. He comes to the mail center just in time to find Heiwajima leaving with a package in his hands.

Firo: Yo, Steve.

Steven: Firo.

Firo: What do you have planned for the day?

Steven: I have to go prep for a surveillance mission. France, I leave in a couple of hours.

Firo: Wow, cool! I wish I could come. Hey, what’s that in the box by the way?

Steven opens the box to reveal several wrapped pastries.

Steven: They’re treats from my home temple. Komori’s students made them for her after she returned and she wanted me to have some. Here, help yourself.

Firo: Wow, thanks!

Firo happily takes a roll.

Steven: I’ll go drop these off at my place and then head out. Enjoy the rest of your day.

Firo: See you, good luck!

Firo parts ways with Heiwajima and continues on. He takes of bite of the roll and looks pleased. Further down, the sound of gunfire fills the air as Firo passes the shooting range. Firo goes over to have a look to find several soldiers having target practice while Rajeev watches. One soldier gets a hit slightly off the center of the target.

Soldier: Haha, yeah. I did it! You see that sir? I’m getting better!

Rajeev: Better? Are you proud of that half ass shot? I know guys who can kill flies with some pebbles and a rubber band. Now reload. And if you miss like that again, you’re running laps! That goes for all of you worthless dirt munchers!!!

The soldiers looked utterly terrified as they prepared to resume practice. Firo finally approached looking perplexed.

Firo: So, how’s the promotion treating you?

Rajeev: Oh, it’s you. It sucks! I have to spend all my time training these no talent maggots. And the paperwork is endless.

Firo: Um, you think you could take it easy on these guys? I mean, not everyone is as good a shot as you.

Rajeev: Huh? Hell no. These guys are trash, but… If I’m gonna train em’ they’re gonna be real monsters by the time I’m done here. Or die, whichever… KEKEKEKEKEKEKE!!!

His insane laughter filled the air. Firo looked terrified of the gunman as well.

Firo: Alright, well I wish them luck on their hellish new journey.

Rajeev: Where are you going anyway?

Firo: I have a briefing before my mission today… which I’m running a bit late for. See ya!

Firo jogs off, allowing Rajeev to get back to his troops. Firo makes his way past several buildings before passing Sean on the path to HQ. He stops running momentarily to talk.

Firo: Hey, Sean!

Sean: What’s up? You late for something?

Firo: Yeah, actually. What are you up to?

Sean: Just going to go test some equipment.

Sean raises his wrist and touches a button on his watch. Several pieces of metal and machinery jut out from inside his boot, his sleeves, and from under his shirt. Firo looks amazed at the gear. Sean hits the button again and it all disappears again.

Sean: I’ve been working on it for a while. So I’m glad that I can finally go see if it works.

Firo: Awesome! Good luck with it, man! And I’m not forgetting about our game. When I get back, I’m winning with a Hyper Combo K.O.!

Sean: Ha, I doubt that. Later.

Firo jogs off again. He finally reaches the HQ and runs inside. He passes several offices and other room before making it to the meeting room. He pushes open the door to find Troy waiting for him.

Troy: It’s about time, Firo.

Firo: Sorry! I got a little sidetracked today.

Troy: It’s hard not to. This place is more lively than it’s been in a long time. Especially since your dad took over.

Firo: Yeah. He’s a good leader. He always does what’s best for the people.

Troy: That’s right. The world has come a long way to this point. Finally, a time of peace.

Firo: But I also have a long way to go. Because… I’m gonna replace him one day and help the world keep moving forward!

Troy: I could see that happening. So, let’s get started!

Firo: Right!

In a certain town in a certain place…

Winter is in full force and the snow has piled up and the streets are slick. People go about their days, battling with the cold winds. A teenage girl on her way to school hurries through down the sidewalk.

Girl: Aw man, I’m not gonna make it!

She jogs quickly until she slips and falls. She manages to sit up. Her face is covered in snow and she appears to have given up. Suddenly, a man walks up to her and extends his hand to her.

???: Hey, you OK?

Girl: Uh, yeah.

She takes his hand and he helps her up.

Girl: I’m not gonna make it to school on time though. One more lateness and I’ll get suspended!

???: Hm, I dunno. I think you should at least try. That way, you can at least say you didn’t give up, right?

The girl looks confused for a moment. She then appears to have regained confidence. She dusts her clothes off and wipes the snow off her face, looking determined.

Girl: Alright! Thanks mister!

???: Haha, be careful!

The man walks away. The twin tails of his scarf blow in the wind. The girl starts running once again. However, this time she goes into a full sprint getting increasingly fast. She makes her way through town and takes various shortcuts. She finally reaches the school and bolts through the door. She hides her jacket under the staircase and runs up to her classroom, bursting through the door just as the bell rings. All the other students look at her wildly as she stands in front of them panting. She looks up and smiles at them all.

END