H-hey, don't look at me! He's the one recording everything. That you can prove.
Eyes on the prize, everyone. Whether or not our every move's being recorded is unimportant.
...Though, I wouldn't blame either of them for wanting to profit off of my endearing personality.

Suddenly, Reggae revs up!

Just don't go complaining when YOU'RE the one who ends up looking bad on live TV!

Reggae proceeds to strike with a Hyperspeed Crash, then a Race Relay, and ends with a Speed Star!

Meanwhile, using his The Price is Right skill, Nitron P uses the Zenny he's earned- as well as the money the group already has- to buy 5 whole W-Tanks for 8000 Zenny*!

---

Meanwhile, in his own office, a certain individual seems to already be watching the live broadcast.

...Oh, please. Controlling what my business rivals say? Just where would the fun be in that?

---

*Reminder: Any item bought through this skill is double its price.

@RotomSlashBlast : Actually, for Raid Bosses, items (aside from the Membership Cards) are bought with Raid Coins, not Zenny.

I'm sure you have enough of those, but then again, I never actually counted those up. So, take it as you will.

---

After Disarge relays Calx's message to everyone else, the crew gather around Mike.

I've got this one!

Reggae rushes in with both Speed Shoes on, setting up a Mach Aura and a Speedy Phase-Out before throwing out a Gambling Dice!

Meanwhile, the Fortune Module and Growth Module on Cuphead is transferred over to Nitron P, who steps in.

The time has come at last for my grand debut! Now, bear witness to my technique...!

Nitron P strikes at Mike with... Gun n' Run. Yep.

@QuintAnother : Wrong; While I am at the top, the highest level would be 42, not 46.

Also,

1. Yes

2. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm no.

@QuintAnother : You cannot buy any more level ups past the current highest player

Mario ponders for a moment.

...You-a know... Perhaps the problem lies in-a the fact that you're relying more on what made Somari's world the same as-a ours than what makes it different.

Shadow narrows his eyes at Mario.

...What are you implying?
Well, if you-a REALLY want to-a find Koopenstein's whereabouts...
...Why not try asking someone who has-a actual EXPERIENCE with Koopenstein?
...So, if I'm understanding this correctly... You think that I should take up this problem with Somari, then?
...Fine. Where do you suppose he would be, then?
Wha- Did-a you not hear what I just-a said!? You can't just expect-a me to magically know where he could-a be!
I KNOW that! But in case you haven't noticed, there's NO ONE else to ask, because there's LITERALLY nobody else here!
O-oh. Right...
Well, my-a point still stands... We never exactly left on-a "means to direct communication" terms after the Koopalings**, you know.
...Tch. Guess I'm not one to talk, seeing after neither I nor Sonic bothered to do the same after the situation regarding the Master Emerald shards.*** Still, this leaves us in the same predicament as before.
...Probably not. I-a wouldn't imagine Somari would-a be more secretive about his whereabouts as Koopenstein is... Who-a knows? Maybe someone out-a there knows something?
...Better than searching aimlessly, I suppose.
...That situation regarding the Koopalings... Who else were there, exactly?

---

Everyone else huddling together looks at Feels in astoundment.

What are you, insane!? Why would we want him to be STRONGER!?
I know how bad such an idea sounds, but trust me; He may be powerful, but his reckless actions prove that he has no means of actually CONTROLLING it. It won't be long before he makes a mistake, one that will lead to his defeat. We just have to hold out long enough for him to make one.
You think we can last that long?
〈I think we should at least try.〉

Suddenly, the trees the group is hiding behind are completely obliterated!

And just what makes you all think you could hide from ME?

The group then narrowly avoids Scourge as he crashes in between the group, which then regroups with the rest to prepare for the final push.

Alright, everyone... Let's wrap up this nightmare!

---

*Reference: The Chaos Zone Part I (Page 287, Post #9 )
**I'm not quite sure which arc it was, but there were a side-plot involving the Mario Bros., Stanley, Imajin, Wario, Waluigi, Somari's crew, and several others centered around the Koopalings stirring up trouble in the Mushroom Kingdom.
***During the 2K Arc, the Master Emerald was shattered from a conflict between Somari and Snapcube/SA2 Fandub Eggman, prompting a worldwide hunt involving Sonic's group, Somari, Shadow, Koopenstein, and several others.

Two individuals are walking through the town, with Stanley seemingly taking in the sights of the city.

Aaaaah... Ain't nothing like home sweet home, right Imajin?



Well, this place isn't my home, but it's good to see you in such a good mood, at least.



Why shouldn't I be? Not only did we beat that Bowser guy, but for the first time since I got fired from the Greenhouse*, things are finally starting to look up for me. Who knows, maybe I can finally find myself an honest job I'll actually get to keep.
Well, I don't doubt you'll find your lucky break before too long. But even though we're done with the whole "Bowser" business, I'm still left wondering something...

---

---

A certain black hedgehog punches the nearest wall in frustration, causing it to dent.

it all... Once again, I, the Ultimate Lifeform, was led into wasting my time AGAIN.
I-a wouldn't call it a complete waste of-a time. Without you, that fight with-a Bowser would've been much harder!



Shadow simply glares at Mario for a moment.

...Where's that green twig brother of yours, anyways?
You-a mean Luigi? He's-a off training with that Master of-a his.
...Master? ...Hmph. From what I've seen of him before, I never took him as the fighting type... the coward that he is.
Haha... You mean you-a haven't noticed yet? Ever since he started that training of-a his a few months before Regulus showed up, he's actually been-a more confident.
...Ironically, it was-a that old cowardice- among a few other traits that Master of his said it reminded him of himself from before he became a god- that inspired him to train Luigi in the first place.
Your brother's training with a god!? And for that matter, why aren't you training with him?

Mario shrugs.

Eh, Martial Arts ain't-a really my thing. I think I'll just-a stick to what I-a do best for now. You know, stomping Koopas, throwing fireballs, that sort of-a thing.
...Hmph. Suit yoursel-
Wait, what the hell am I even DOING!? I NEED to find Koopenstein!

---

---

And-a what makes you think Koopenstein's your-a problem, anyways?
...Because clearly, neither you, Sonic, NOR that "Somari" is doing ANYTHING to make sure he's NOT a problem. If nobody ELSE is going to make sure he's not up to no good, then I might as well do the job myself.

Shadow crosses his arms.

...But with that so-called King providing no information, and the Doctor not even knowing who Koopenstein even is... The trail has gone cold.

@QuintAnother : Same-Type Attack Boost; While normally referring to the boost in power moves get from having the same type as the user, in this case I am referring both to it and the decrease in WE from the same sort-of benefit.

Currently Buying:
2 Speed Shoes
3 Gym Memberships
1 Team Baton
2 Growth Module EXs

4 Upgrade Abilities
1 Skill

Total Cost:
2875 Zenny
27 Coins

Total Remaining:
3939 Zenny
156 Coins

I give the two Speed Shoes to Reggae (of course)

Ninja Man Ψ's Ninja Katana becomes Ninja Katana Ψ!
- 32 Damage w/ STAB > 38 Damage w/ STAB.
- Lowers Speed by an additional stage, making it 2 stages.

Pirate Armor Ninja Ψ's Ninja Katana becomes Plasma Katana!*
- Same changes as for Ninja Man Psi's regular state, except instead of lowering Speed by 2 stages, it lowers both Speed and Defense by 1 stage each.
- Swift Core becomes Space Core.

Ninja Man Ψ's Ninja Smokebomb becomes Ninja Smokebomb Ψ!
- Duration for Blindness increases from 3 turns to 5.

Pirate Armor Ninja Ψ's Wall Cling becomes Wall Clutch!*
- Laser Core becomes Space Core.
- Ninja Ψ can also opt to use his Ninja Katana (or upgrades) instead of Pirate's Scythe.

Reggae's Reggae Overdrive becomes Reggae Overdrive +!
- The mergee will now also be allowed access to Reggae's inventory, including his first hold item slot.
- To compensate, the cost with STAB is raised from 17 to 20.

Discorded Sergeant's Prism Guard becomes Mass Prism Guard!
- Instead of protecting just the user or a single ally, the move will instead protect the full party.
- To compensate, it will only be able to protect from a single attack; However,
- Instead of lasting until the end of the turn, the shield lasts until it is hit once, and will release damage afterwards.
- Cost is increased from 8 to 12.

Rememberance Disarge's Beta Blast becomes Beta Tri-Blast!*
- Also fires out 2 additional Beta Blasts at foes that go before and/or after the target, but at half power and without the effect.
- If there is only one enemy, it simply fires the two weaker Beta Blasts at the enemy.
- Cost increased from 4 to 6.

Ninja Man Ψ earns the Spirit of the Tiger Skill!

Spirit of the Tiger
Effect: If not already active, automatically spawns Gagaku when entering a battle or revived.

With the Move Slot he apparently still has, Ninja Man Ψ learns Gagaku Bond!

Gagaku Bond
Cost: 20
Effect: The user merges with Gagaku, being granted their stats- including half their HP and WE- and their movelist. The user will also be granted x1.5 Power for all attacks, and their Nature moves will be treated as if they have primary STAB. Gagaku will not be able to act during this. The fusion will deactivate upon losing 1/3 of the fusion's HP, after which Gagaku will be disabled. Can only be used if Gagaku is on the field.

With one of the two move slots she apparently still has, Harmonica learns Select Buff!

Select Buff
Cost: 4
Effect: Grants a single stat buff to a single move of the user's choice. Ignores the effects of the Daring Decoder skill.

---

*Note: Since Variants share the same number of weapon slots and upgrades, any weapon slots/ability upgrades given to them after buying the Variant slot will still apply to said Variant.

Somehow finding a way to get back up, Knuckles and Mighty both charge at Hyper Scourge, only to be knocked down in an instant.

HA! Pathetic muscleheads; All of you do yourselves a favor and stand down, won'tcha? There's only ONE of you I have plans on killing today...!

Hyper Scourge then immediately appears in front of Sonic, grabbing him and slamming him into a tree. Pikason strikes with a Thunder Spinball, only to do nothing to Hyper Scourge, who doesn't even pay the Pikachu any attention. Scourge prepares to finish Sonic off, but a stretched arm grabs him!

You're not getting away with this...!

Ristar- having being freed by Circuit- struggles, but- with the support of Billy and Eevtai- manages to hold Hyper Scourge back long enough for Feels, Boomer, and Tails to rush in and pull Sonic from the hyper hedgehog's grasp!

You all have a death wish, don't you? Well, FINE BY ME!

Both of Scourge's hands glow a sinister green, before unleashing two large waves of chaos energy on both sides of himself to knock everyone back!

Aah!
!!!

Seeing Cream caught in the attack, Gemerl springs into action, striking Hyper Scourge at full force... only for it to do nothing. Scourge counteracts with a punch to Gemerl's gut, followed by roundhouse kicking him into Ray, knocking both of them down.

Oh, come ON! If you're not gonna just lay down and die, at least try to make this more interesting for me!

Meanwhile, Team Sonic, Pikason, Feels, and Boomer huddles behind some trees.

This guy... He's an absolute MONSTER.
〈...You know, I actually knew this Sandshrew who was able to take away my Shining form once. Think you could do the same?〉
You know, that's not a bad idea... I certainly remember you doing that to me, too, Knucklehead.* Think you could pull it off again?
...I was only able to do that because of my connection to the Master Emerald, and its link to the Chaos Emeralds. Even if these "Anarchy Beryls" are an alternate universe form of the Chaos Emeralds, I don't know for sure if the same principles will even apply here...
...And even if I could, that would require for me to get in close... And there's no way in hell he'll give us the chance.
His power just keeps rising like crazy! The Miles Electric can't even keep up with his growing power! If this keeps up, he might just become too powerful!
...
...Maybe that's exactly what we need.

---

Despite only having one jet, CRORQ Neo manages to avoid a good chunk of 4 drag, 2 mag. However, what moves do hit do heavy damage to the machine, leaving it unable to avoid the Beam Attack!. However, it manages to block the attack completely with one last Force Field, but it shatters immediately upon collision with the attack, leaving it completely open to Flow-R Blade's Guillotine, which not only slashes off the jet, but completely finishes off CRORQ Neo, sending it careening to the ground.

...

Dr. Rozner is still alive, but he is completely at the mercy of the heroes. The present Aeons get a sudden feeling that what this means for the doctor should be up to the DOS and Revolt Robots, not them.

---

Anarchy Wave - (Chaos/Explode) The user unleashes a large explosion of chaos energy in a wave. A devastating, albeit short-ranged attack.

---

*Referring to the intro of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, where Knuckles knocks Sonic out of his Super state.

@QuintAnother :

1. I open up my image editing software, Paint.NET.

2. I use the following template:



3. I use a PMD font I downloaded online at size 12px.

4. I place a PMD-style portrait in the empty space in the blue square at the top; More specifically, in the style of the Explorers game's portraits. Bane, Circuit, and Dusty are all edits of Torchic, Pikachu, and Cubone (respectively), while Fortem and Banetem use demade portraits I made off of the Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon portraits.

5. I make the image.

6. I upload it to an image hosting website; I use Imgur, and even a private Discord server with just me in it at times.

7. I use the forums' image formatting to place the image in my post, and there it is.

---

Well, whatever it may be, it'll be best to start getting ready right away. We should make sure we're ready for anything before the next raid.

Ninja, Gagaku, Reggae, Disarge, Banetem, Harmonica, Jazz, the Cup Trio, and Nitron P head off somewhere to make preparations.

...Well, that happened.
...What happened, exactly?
Whatever did happen, I can't say for certain if this'll be the last we hear of it.
...No, great, that's fine. It's not like we also have Tyr and that Alloy King to worry about. Not to mention some other thing, but I can't seem to recall what, exactly...*

---

Believe it or not, I actually have the results ready this time! So...

Beta Shadow - 546
RotomSlashBlast - 515
shocking ikr - 497
ch4s3man - 322
Master Alicia - 299
ShyOne9117 - 274
Radiated Wraith - 305
Red Mage - 183

...So while I'm technically the winner, I feel like it's a bit soon for me to return to the mantle; The Beta Team raid has just happened, after all. So, I think I'll pass it on down to the following placement.

The next raid boss will be RotomSlashBlast! So, feel free to begin preparations... Who knows what he'll bring to the table!

---

*Referring to Nic, whose ending of the raid left an air of ambiguity due to RW planning on revisiting it in a future raid.

[type-element1_element2]
Text
[/type-element1_element2]

It is important to remember to have the two formatting boxes on their own separate line, otherwise it won't work as intended.

It wasn't always that way, though; Not sure what happened, but it's nothing to complain about.

...Yep. Still have no idea what else to do.

Just. Repeat the same turn as last time, same exact moves except Reggae should be able to move this turn.

As seven Anarchy Beryls surround Scourge, the group grows completely weary.

He has MORE of those!?
You see, Anarchy Beryls are not only powerful, but they are also plentiful. The only problem is, they only exist in my dimension of Moebius... and they're being safeguarded by those worthless Suppression Squad* TRAITORS. So, Coda offered to send some robots into my old home dimension and steal some Beryls for me to use, and in exchange, I offered him my services, and permission for him to use a Beryl for himself.
...But since he already delivered to me what I want... I have no further reason to do as he says.

So, now it's time to raise the question... If ONE Anarchy Beryl can make me Super... What will I be able to achieve with SEVEN of them?

Scourge chuckles.

Of course, the way things are going, I don't even need more power to destroy you all...
...I just figure that, as a special little treat for coming this far... I'd give you all a taste of TRUE suffering.

Suddenly, Scourge's power skyrockets even further than before, blowing everyone back!

(This pressure... I can barely even move...!)

---

The energy of Scourge's transformation can be felt across the entire island, including the Dark Castle!

What on earth is that!?



It appears that the green hedgehog that intercepted our nemeses has awoken an even greater power than before...



Ugh, of course. And here I thought that these rodents couldn't possibly be even more problematic...

---

...So, this is what Scourge is capable of... Fascinating, to say the least.
...As disappointing as it is to have another abandon the group...
...I can't say that I'm disappointed with the results.

---

Back at Ruin Woods, Scourge finally stops powering up as a new transformation looms before the entire group, the pressure from the transformation itself still persisting, and only increases with each passing second.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh YES. This power... This power is unlike ANYTHING I've ever felt before! And I can even feel it growing more and more as the time passes...
...This settles it. With this Hyper form... I am no longer a king...
...I am a GOD!

---

*The Anti-Mobius/Moebian equivalent of the Freedom Fighters.

---

...Why do I feel like I'm being mocked?

The small figure introduces itself to Dee.

My name is Elfilin. I saw what's been going on with those Waddle Dees, and I really wanted to help, but...



Elfilin appears saddened for a moment.

...But I was too weak to do anything. In the end, all I could do was run away until they eventually caught me, too.
Poy poyo poyo poy. Poyo, poyo poy poy poyoyo, poy poyo poy poy poyo- (That's when I came along. And now, I plan on figuring out where and why they're taking those Waddle Dees, and maybe even figure out why those vortexes showed up in the first pla-)

Suddenly, Kirby sneezes.

...Poyo. Poy poyo poyo... (...Sorry. Not sure why I did that...)

Kirby then calls down a Warp Star and hops on it with Elfilin.

Poyo, poyo poyo. Poyoyo poy poyo, poyo poy poyo poyo. (Anyways, I should get going. If I find any more Waddle Dees, I'll be sure to send them your way.)

The two fly off.

---

Suddenly, a sneeze is heard at the mention of the Omni-King...

...Poyo. Poy poyo poy poyo poyo? (...I'm sorry. Did you say someone was looking for me?)

---

Meanwhile, the Jazz Armada sans Missingno. hides behind a wall.

...What's Kirby doing here?
Not sure... But he might be of good help for all of this, that's for sure.
...That angelic creature... They seem to be very powerful. No doubt the leader of this bunch.
You think we could take him?
I'm not too sure... If they're able to take on someone in one of the Ego states, then they certainly won't be easy to beat, let alone restrain.

...Actually, I've been thinking... Maybe we don't have to capture them?

Orchestra turns to Techno.

Are you crazy!? The entire reason we're trying to stop them is because they're a danger to the entire world! From what we've been told, these creatures want nothing more but to spread suffering to others, and you're saying that we should just let them do as they please!?
I don't know... Whatever demon they're talking about, these guys seem very concerned about it and its goals. And besides, Cyber-Lucina's proof enough that not all Agony creatures are bad... Maybe these guys aren't really the bad guys?
...
...That remains to be seen.

...Oh, no, no, no. I'm not talking about right away. This is much too soon. It takes proper preparation to get a show ready for its grand unveiling... Or so he taught me.
I'll give Mario and his friends their moment of reprieve... But when the time is right... I'll deliver a show that they'll never soon forget.

---

Fire Blast (RECAP) - (Flame/Explode) The target is attacked with an intense blast of all-consuming fire. This may also leave the target with a burn.

Blaze Kick (RECAP) - See Page 51, Post #8

Homing Attack (RECAP) - (Swift/Impact) A staple attack, used by many characters throughout the Sonic franchise. The user, whilst jumping, turns into a spinning ball, then, at high speeds, slams into the nearest enemy.

Well, if you don't like people ordering you around, then why did you join in the first place? Surely, it can't just be to get back at Sonic... especially if what you're saying's true, he's not even YOUR Sonic.
That's true; Even if I did feel like beating THIS Sonic down is enough- Which it's not, but it's certainly close enough-, I could've just done my own revenge scheme. Hell, if that were the case, I probably would've picked this fight much sooner.
...But there's ANOTHER reason why I joined with Coda... Something that I wanted JUST as much, if not moreso, than revenge...

Suddenly, Scourge's Anarchy Beryl appears, circling around Scourge... before being surrounded by six more of them as Scourge's grin becomes as sinister as it can possibly be.

...Power.

---

As CRORQ Neo dodges everything thrown at it- seemingly calculating the trajectory of each weapon perfectly- it leaves itself vulnerable to a Homing Attack from Ashura, who used Debug Mode to create a spring to reach it!

The Homing Attack takes out one of CRORQ Neo's jets, causing the supercomputer to try and maintain its distance with just one jet... which works as well as you'd probably think.

---

A figure hovers above the castle, readying a speech for... Nobody in particular.

Now, now, Mr. Chomper. To call one a nobody isn't a very nice thing, now is it?

The figure kicks back in a nonexistent chair.

Indeed, it would seem that the curtain has fallen once again for the great Koopa King. Another tale of woes for him... and wahoos for the portly plumber.

The figure then dramatically rises from his pretend seat, raising a finger in the air.

But what a grand show it was! It had action! It had suspense! It had our heroes and villain in a battle unlike that which you've never seen before! Oh, how I'd hate to have been the one to miss it!
...But, oh, unlike you... I DID see it. Every last breathtaking second. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time!

...In case you have missed all the subtle hints I've given... I am indeed speaking to you, the reader of this post. How captivating, isn't it?
That Super Scourge was already such a menace before... Oh, how I wonder how Sonic and his little friends are going to stop him now?
...Of course, I kid; Since those events have already passed, I already know the answer to that. But I won't spoil the show.~
Oh, and let's not forget how CRORQ Neo seems to be on it's last leg... Or, should I say last jet? Something tells me we might see the end for the supercomputer before too long... But what that'll mean for sad old Dr. Rozner, we'll just have to wait and see.

...I know what you're possibly thinking. "But mysterious figure who I shall not name out of respect for the plot," you might be saying, "how could you possibly know all of this?"
Well, that answer lies in how I was able to see the fight between the plumbers and the King of Koopas...

Suddenly, several windows pop up around the figure, showcasing the various going-ons all over the Chaos Zone (except for those with a |P| marking)...

...I've been watching everything. After all, you can't truly enjoy a show from just watching only specific parts.

The windows then disappear.

...But, I digress; As I said, the curtain has fallen on the Koopa King... It's only a matter of time before it rises again.

As Scourge prepares to strike Tails, a Fire Blast strikes Scourge, not dealing any real damage, but serving well enough to provide a decent distraction as he turns to the source.



Bane, having used his Epsilon Stone to become a Mega Blaziken, launches another Fire Blast at Scourge to make an opening to move in closer, before knocking him away from Tails with a Blaze Kick!

Meanwhile, Cream, Cheese, and Gemerl helps Sonic to get up.

Are you ok, Mr. Sonic?
Could be better. I don't get why it didn't work...
I BELIEVE SCOURGE CLEARLY STATED THAT IT WAS BECAUSE THE SAME TRICK WAS PULLED ON HIM BEFORE.

Sonic gives Gemerl a T_T look when Circuit approaches them.



Wait, Scourge is with that Coda guy? ...Wait, you knew that plan was going to fail, and you didn't warn me sooner!?




Suddenly, as Bane is knocked into a tree next to them, Scourge appears in front of them.

What, THESE backup?

Scourge then moves over to a nearby bush and tears it apart... revealing three tied up figures!











And you wanna know the funniest thing? That turtle guy? He just joined today. His first day on the team, and he BLEW IT! Talk about HILARIOUS!
...Oh. And you wanna know how they were gonna beat me? They were gonna use THIS.

Scourge then pulls out a strange remote of sorts.

This device was designed to cancel out all the Chaos Energy that radiates from the Anarchy Beryl I'm using, FORCING me back to my base form. I'd be forced to face the biggest- and ONLY- flaw of this form regardless of my refusal to power down manually.
And then... I'd be forced to use THIS as a last resort.

Scourge then pulls out a vial of Coda Corruption.

I'd use this little "power-up" to regain my strength for one last bout... And ya know, maybe it could've worked... Because the only way you'd be able to stop me THEN is by having to KILL me. Something that I know well enough that you would NEVER do, Blue.
...But at the cost of becoming Coda's little puppet? I don't think so!

Scourge then slams the remote on the ground before stomping it to pieces, then he tosses the vial into the air and fires a finger gun of Chaos Energy at it, causing the vial to explode. He then turns to Circuit.

...Really, I should thank you and that bone-wielding friend of yours. I'd never even KNOWN that Coda was just using us if you didn't blurt out about how that Coda Corruption stuff grants him the ability to control us.
And if there's one thing I hate... It's being told what to do. That's why I was never a fan of this whole "Coda Syndicate" thing to begin with.
And when I went to dispose of the stuff, that's when I saw those three discussing the entire plan in full... so I listened, and when they were done talking, I knocked 'em all out and tied them up so that they couldn't carry it out.

In summary... I've heard EVERYTHING. And I'm tired of Coda treating me like his little puppet. So I'M taking control, as a real king should!
More like a tyrant.
Oh, please... A tyrant is just a king who REFUSES to be a pushover.

Since I have absolutely no plan in mind for the time being, I'm just going to repeat the same move as previous but against Ice Man this time

And if Reggae already recovered then Hyperspeed Crash on Cut Man