Chapter 124:

Chapter 124: The Power Struggle Comes to an End

Beyond The Stars

On the streets of Telecouch City.

As the power struggle starts to come to an end, Kitipede still lies on the streets with her midsection crushed by the large sign.

She has stopped trying to free herself, lying still while she waits for someone to rescue her. Footsteps approach. She looks up and sees who it is.

“Korobu?” Kitipede asks in surprise.

“Hello, Kitipede,” Korobu says pleasantly. “Nice night, isn’t it?”

Fear creeps into Kitipede’s expression. “Wh… what do you want?”

“Your soul!” Korobu shouts in a terrifying tone.

Kitipede freezes in terror as Korobu bursts into laughter.

“Just kidding,” he says. “It would be such a shame if you died. You will be coming with me.”

Kitipede’s fear fades into confusion as she stares at him. “I can’t imagine there is anything that you would need me for.”

“You’re wrong,” Korobu replies, smirking. “I think centipede powers sound quite nice and useful.”

Kitipede looks up at him nervously. “What do you mean by that? I… I can’t believe you would even return to the Swamp Underworld after being away from it for so long…”

Korobu’s smirk never fades. “I don’t think you will be waiting too long to find out.”

***

Following the end of the battle in Telecouch City.

The heroes have gathered at Commander Moss’s building, all of them sitting at a large circular table with various food items.

“I admit, I was skeptical that you could help,” Commander Moss says. “But you have my thanks.”

“If you truly are the best option for these people, then we are happy to help,” Zeth replies.

“That huge sign was a very convenient asset, though,” Major Tarres adds.

“Haha, true,” Emily laughs.

“Can we eat now?” Major Smithy asks.

“Yeah, I guess,” Commander Moss replies.

“I think it’s time we all dig in!” Keith says. “Though, I wish we had some booze too.”

“I think you’ve had enough alcohol for a while,” Zaydra replies.

“You can never have too much booze!” Keith declares.

“Enough of the booze talk!” Joe says, raising his voice. “Let’s eat!”

They all grab their knives and forks, digging into the meat laid out before them. They enjoy their food together, laughing and relaxing.

***

Later.

“We better get going,” Zaydra says. “Thanks for the meal.”

“Yeah,” Keith adds. “I need to go check on my family.”

They begin to head for the exit.

“Come back any time!” Commander Moss says with a smile.

“And hopefully this place will be more interesting next time,” Major Tarres adds.

“It’s been real!” Major Smithy says. “Tis a shame you have to go.”

***

Later.

The heroes arrive in Hirro City and head to the building where Keith’s family lives. Keith knocks on the door.

Lisha opens it.

“Hi, Mom,” Keith says with a smile.

“Keith!” Lisha gasps.

“The power struggle is over!” Keith announces. “We can finally get some peace!”

Lisha begins crying with happiness. “That’s the best news I’ve heard in so long!”

Keith points to the others, smiling. “You can thank these guys. They are the ones who helped bring an end to it.”

“So they helped bring it to an end and are your friends too?”

Keith rubs the back of his head. “We just met recently, but I guess you could say that.”

“All of you should come on in!” Lisha says. “Having company is great!”

With grateful smiles, Zeth, Sasha, Kurt, Emily, Joe, and Zaydra follow Keith inside.

“Trate! Come here!” Lisha calls. “Keith is back!”

Jinto and Bayga appear, now young adults.

“Keith, my man!” Jinto says as they fist bump. “You’ve been kicking ass!?”

“You bet!”

Bayga looks at the others.

“Hi, my name is Bayga.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Bayga,” Zeth says. “My name is Zeth.”

He gestures to the others. “Their names are Sasha, Emily, Joe, Kurt, and Zaydra.”

“Hi!” Sasha says with a smile.

“Nice to meet you!” Emily adds.

“It’s great to see that Keith has a good family!” Joe says.

“They are great people,” Keith replies. “I’ve missed seeing them so much, so I’m glad to be back.”

***

They all meet in the family room and talk. They enjoy themselves, but Keith has something on his mind that he wants to let out.

Keith grows serious. “Listen, Zeth. I’ve been thinking about this, and it sounds like shit will be going down soon. Let me join you!”

Zeth’s eyes widen, taken by surprise. “But you finally can have some peace with your family. Why do this?”

“If things turn for the worst, nowhere will be safe,” Keith replies. “You’re gonna need all the help you can get.”

“…Okay,” Zeth says after hesitating for a moment. “But only if you’re absolutely sure.”

“Trust me. I am. Besides, you and Sasha make good drinking buddies!”

Zaydra, Kurt, Emily, and Joe stare them down, not forgetting what that put them through.

Zeth and Sasha stare at each other awkwardly and let out a nervous laugh.

After shaking off the nervousness, Zeth stands, his expression serious. “Then make final preparations. You may not get a chance to come back here for a long while.”

Keith grins with excitement. “You’ve got it!”

***

Later.

The heroes stand near the exit of the Swamp Underworld, looking out toward Telecouch City.

“Hopefully they do a lot of good,” Zeth says.

***

In the center of Telecouch City.

Korobu stands among the people.

“Let the chaos begin,” he says with a cold smile.

He holds out his hand. A dark sphere forms, growing rapidly and much more powerful by the second. Crying and screaming souls swirl throughout it. Anyone near it turns to dust as it expands violently, consuming buildings and people alike. Every single person turns to dust.

“Yes! That’s it!” Korobu shouts with evil satisfaction.

***

Inside Commander Moss’s building.

Major Smithy looks out a high window, noticing the growing sphere.

“Comrades, a giant sphere of death is enveloping the city!” he yells.

Commander Moss and Major Tarres spit out their beer.

“What!?” Commander Moss gasps, almost choking.

They rush to the window.

“Well, shit.” Major Tarres groans.

“Quick!” Commander Moss commands. “To our secret escape passage!”

They descend into the basement and enter an underground tunnel.

“What about the people of this city?” Major Tarres asks, severely concerned.

“They are a lost cause,” Commander Moss replies. “The divine beings left. We have no way to stop it.”

Major Smithy looks down, lamenting the situation. “It’s Korobu, isn’t it?”

“Probably,” Commander Moss confirms. “I can’t believe he would come back to the Swamp Underworld.” His fist trembles as he yells, “Goddess damn it, Korobu!! Why!!? Why now!!?”

***

Back outside.

Korobu’s sphere engulfs most of the city. The heroes, still waiting for Mark, see it from afar.

“What the hell is happening!?” Zeth shouts, his eyes widened and jaw dropped.

“It’s Korobu!” Zaydra yells. “What is he doing here!?”

The city becomes completely consumed. No life remains.

“We have to go back there!!” Zeth screams.

Zeth tries to run, but Zaydra grabs him.

“Zeth! There is nothing we can do now!!!” Zaydra yells.

“We have to do something!!” Zeth begs, tears flowing down from his eyes.

“I know how you feel but there can’t be a single soul left alive in that city now!!”

“But Commander Moss, Major Tarres, and Major Smithy!”

“They are probably dead! You have to accept that sometimes there is nothing you can do! Not even our mother, the Light Goddess herself, can save every single person who is in danger! Zeth, it’s time to go!”

Zeth falls to his knees, still in tears. “Yeah… you’re right…”

“As I said, I know how you feel,” Zaydra assures. “All you can do is just hope that some people were able to escape the devastation.”

“But what if Korobu attacks the rest of the Swamp Underworld?”

“And I’m worried about my family!” Keith adds.

“I doubt he will do anything more here,” Zaydra says. “As terrible as he is, he’s not one to just go around and destroy everything. He’d rather make people loyal to the Dark Goddess.”

Soon, Mark arrives on his boat.

“Hello there, my friends,” Mark says with a smile.

“We’re getting on,” Zaydra commands.

With no choice, they board Mark’s boat.

“Now departing to Harmone,” Mark announces.

***

Korobu stands in the now-dead city.

“Yes, I quite like this. Don’t worry, all of you dead people. You will now be able to serve the Dark Goddess.”

He looks up at the sky.

“Such a nostalgic feeling…”

***

Zeth sits angrily on the boat as it travels through the tunnel. The anger deeply boils within him.