♫ Alan Hawkshaw : Dreamtime ♫

A fancy looking door is unlocked, and a beastly, red-skinned demon-looking entity walks through.

Home at last, from my meeting with the District Galactic Council.

Dregs hesitantly closes the door without looking behind him, upon not being greeted by any soldiers in the room.

How peculiar. I don't remember relieving any guards from their duties. I'll have to ask Lehena if she has anything to do with--
Behind you.

A voice speaks from the corner of the room behind the door, which he may have noticed if he had bothered to look. Not recognizing the voice, Dregs quickly turns around.
Wh--

---

Instant darkness. Darkness all around. Where before were walls, furniture, stairs, and other rooms is nothing but a gradient of darkness.

Dregs sees a woman in front of him.

at--!? W-wait, Lehena, is that... what's going on!?
I'm not your wife.
D-dear... don't speak like that, not even as a joke. Surely, we are both m--

Dregs tries to approach the one he sees as his beloved. He immediately falls to the floor. He squirms, but cannot find his footing no matter what.

?!?
As I said, I am not your wife. Or rather... I'm an entirely different entity than she is. Do you understand now?
...Lehena!?!? What have you d-done with her!?!?
I've done nothing. She's fast asleep, currently in your bedroom. Your bodyguards, and cameras... All are sound asleep as well. They will regain their conscious in a predetermined time interval... likely equivalent to four hours in your time.
What... what are you!? What do you want with me!?
(464 years old. You'd think he'd already be prepared for an event like this...)
...I'll be frank. I'm here because I was contracted to find and terminate you. By someone other alien who doesn't agree with your politics.
U-AGH?@!
That's all I can divulge. Unfortunately, you won't be meeting with them again, either... I'll put you out of your misery before you can feel any pain. Sleep.

Dregs tries to move, but fails to manage anything over a few twitches. Somehow, he has been paralyzed. Desparetely, he pleads with Not-Lehena.

No, ... NO! YOU CAN'T! YOU CA--

---

Dregs' body lies on the mansion floor, with his head completely absent. However, there are ashes where the head should be. A man towering above Dreg's body puts on a piece of eyewear.

Kill confirmed. I'll be leaving this planet ASAP. I no longer have any business here. Everything in this mansion's premises will awaken in about a few hours.
I'm disappointed in how flawless you are. Mistakes would surely keep things exciting.
Yeah. They're also an easy crash course on getting killed. Even with this ability, I'm not invincible.
Mmmm.... You still need to give me the rundown of how exactly that function of yours works. Satiate my curiousity.
How do I know you'll keep it under wraps?
Oh, you know I haven't a choice. You'd find and kill me in an instant... So what's stopping you?
...
...Alright, sure. But it's the first and last time. Spill it to anyone, and you're dead.

The apparent assassin grabs the remaining corpse of Dregs, and warps out of the mansion.

Speed Star. Doboru Supidostah

♫ Louis Clark : Crime ♫

Mhm... sittin' real comfy over here.

A lone figure hangs back, lying down on the cargo bed of a passing truck. Wheat straw in mouth, they chuckle.

Huh? Oh, hell's yeah... I'm darn tootin' sure I'm up to the task. Call it easy as sheep sorrel pie.
Ponytail, rosehead, midget... it ain't matter! Bring 'em on! May be a hellova gamble... but I'm not too shabby a gambler myself! Gyahaaah!

---

You wonderful women need to relax. All that scowling and frowning isn't good for the two of you.

Scale, pinky up, sips his tea.

Zero deaths, zero mortal wounds... it's being covered as we speak. People are being rehabilitated as well as the surrounding area.
...I hope ulterior motives are not in play. You were never asked for this.

Scale scoffs smugly.

Oh, don't insult me, darling. That is far below something of my tastes. It is merely a man's dignity at heart.
...
Man? Don't make me laugh! You're a pretty boy who cares more about his own reflection than anything else!
That is enough. I will not tolera--
You're one to talk, Princess. Judging by your transformation, are you really able to call yourself manly?
AAAAAAGH! CALL ME PRINCESS AGAIN AND I'LL KILL YOU!

Ohohohohoh!

Scale and Soul turn their heads. It's Opera.

You all and your silly antics. Even if I can be stern, humor is not lost on me. However...
When I say no fighting, I very much mean it. Not for my sake, mind you... but for the both of yours.

Before anyone can respond, the three hear the sound of glass shattering.

♫ a2 marleen ♫
...

Dela stares in extreme awe at... a brown chair. Judging by texture alone, it looks to be composed completely of chocolate.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! OOOO!!! OOOOooooooOOOOO!!

Opera suddenly feels something wrapped around her legs. It's Delta's arms. A perplexed glance seems to indicate she could not see him moving.

Thank you very, very much! I love you, Opera!
!...
...You... mean that?
Yes!

Both sitting on couches on opposite sides surrounding a table, Soul and Scale both slump their heads slightly.

(That stupid kid would never say something like that to me...)
(It's fine and dandy when that pint-sized purple boy says it, but when I proclaim it? Unwanted attention.)

---

Soul.

Soul's aloof gaze instinctively retreats to Opera. The icy tone immediately bringing her back into reality. Soul merely nods off of intuition alone.

Forgive my impetuousness... but I believe conversation would do us well. I can already assume you have come here for a certain reason, correct?
H... hey now, no need to sweat the details. What if I've only come to greet my one and only sister? Be a shame to leave her all alone.
Curious timing. Regardless... whether you would like to or not, we must discuss your actions.
...

Soul suddenly slams a fist on the table.

IT WASN'T MY FAULT! HE THREW THE FIRST PUNCH, OKAY!? DOESN'T THAT COUNT AS SELF-DEFENSE!?
Dear sister, self-defense. *table bang* Is the act of protecting one's self to minimize. *table bang* The amount of harm that can be done. *table bang* That is not what you did. *table bang*

Soul winces.

You could have escaped via Limbo at any time. So clearly, you did not have self-defense in mind. All you are doing is using the fact that fire person attacked first to shield yourself.
Yeah, well... what if he was waiting for me to do that so he would attack everyone? I had to stop him.
...
*sigh* Alright, alright, I'm full of it. Fine.
I am more than accustomed to your antics by now... however. Ever since your body change, you have been particularly volatile.

Yet again, Soul flinches at the subject. Opera inquires deeper, her face darkening..

Would you, perchance, feel degraded by this recent change? Do you feel as though you have to prove yourself due to your new feminine traits, because being such lessens you?
.....Ehhhmmmm...
Pft.

Soul sees Scale's humored expression in the corner of her vision, but she is too preoccupied by the pressue of Opera to be provoked. After a few seconds of silence stifled by happy Delta noises in the distance, Opera exhales, with a far less stern look.

Please, be careful. I know you are strong. I do not need to worry for you... but what about the people you endanger?
...What about Delta? He is a well-mannered boy, but he worships you. What if he gets hurt trying to be like the one he idolizes so often?
.....Uuuugh...

Speed Star. Speed Star. Speed Star. Speed Star. Speed Star.

...And it looks like he took the time to buy a new blue jacket, because he did not take his tattered old one with him.

Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid! What was that!? Could I have been anymore pathetic!!?
...Not now. I can go back to pitying myself after this is over. If the universe really is in danger... then there are worse things to worry about. I guess.

Walter shakes his head silly.

From what that Spectrum guy says, this seems like a big deal... gonna rendevouz back at the Lounge, then find anyone else we may need.
From then on, I think we meet up with the 'Balance Conglomerate', and then take the fight to Trio.

Walter chuckles... strangely.

Heheheh... "Trio", huh? At least I know who to blame for the way I feel right now. I won't lose. No matter what, I won't lose.

---

Everyone at the lounge hears footsteps.

So Beta's gone. I'll have to get him at the Pizzaria. He probably knows other people who can fight with us, too. There's still a few more people missing, but we can worry about them later.

Walter walks in.

I didn't plan on being back here so fast, but I'll make this quick: Apparently, there's a powerful threat to the entire world, and beyond that. We have to stop him.. Who's with me?

Walter isn't looking at anything anymore. Instead he stares plainly into the distance, still in shock. Something appears to be welling in his eyes.

...yeah. tha-that's. a good idea. i came here and-- g-g-gave you t-trouble you n-neve never asked f-for... what aam i d-doing here in the f-first place?
i need to l-leave... too... bad guy... s-save universe... lounge... bbbbhyeee.

Walter floats inches above the ground. With no vertical movement, he begins to make his way out in the same place he broke through.

---

NONSENSE, beckons an uncharacteristically aggressive voice.

THERE ARE PLENTY OF OTHER EQUALLY WORTHWHILE THINGS WORTH DOING. IT SEEMS YOU HAVE BEEN BLINDED BY A LACK OF EXPOSURE TO THE TRUE WONDERS OF THE REAL WORLD!
THE ROAD BETWEEN LIFE TO DEATH IS A JOURNEY. IT WILL NOT FIND YOU AS I DID. YOU MUST SEARCH FOR IT!

Walter shrinks back to normal.

That's what I think, anyway. What if the apocalypse thing you're waiting for doesn't happen until, like, a gajillion years from now? That sounds pretty boring. Especially when there are so many other things you could be doing!

---

---

Walter scratches his head, seeming confused on how exactly to explain.

Mmmmmm....

He then proceeds, but he only either looks up at the ceiling or the surface beneath him. He is either failing to pretend not to notice Hydra Diamond's leg-switching, or noticing and failing to keep it from distracting him.

It's kinda difficult to just tell somebody instead of showing them... but From what I know, Reapers, Walter says, putting extra emphasis on the term to dissasociate with farming, are like... I don't want to sound cocky, but they're kind of special people? I guess you could say we have the power 'harvest' certain people, places or things... at least I think that's how it works. Like, you can kinda just will them to exist.

Walter frowns a tad.

It feels more like a job than a hobby... probably because it is a job. But I don't find it too fun. At least it's not just me who qualifies as one.

---

---

There's even, like, a lounge for us to chill at for all of us cool guys. Actually, I arrived here after meeting up with a few of them.
...But I don't really care for all the technical stuff...

Walter bats his eyelashes. He did not have eyelashes this thick before. What.

But you know... I don't seem anywhere near as interesting as you. What do you... do here, exactly?

---

*Silhouettes from left to right: Beta Shadow, Mighty, Rhys (RotomSlashBlast), Tedd (Prototedd), Radiated Wraith (GammaGuardian), Chase (ch4s3m4n), NP (NintendoPanda101), HT (TheHighTower).
**Despite the fact that Chase is an established Reaper, he has had no confirmed design. As such, ch4s3's actual MMRPG avatar has been used instead.

Speed Star. Speed Star.

Another person sits on their sofa, casually watching television.

This just in: Massive damage done as a result of a destructive struggle in the midst of Justice Avenue...
Honestly. She never listens. There are times I wonder why I waste my time trying to warn Soul instead of washing my hands of her.

....I understand vio-- fighting others is her passion... and I respect that. Unconditionally. But I cannot condone her destructive nature, along with her tendency to escalate situations.

She hears knocking on her door, putting a sudden halt to her monologue quickly. She grabs the remote on the table in front of her and turns the TV off.

Ah! Coming!

Elegantly, she rises from her sofa, and crisply walks over to the living room door. She unlocks the door, and prepares to open it, when...

Ouch. You could at least try be a little less rough with me. now that you're in this body.
...Scale...?
Stupid. I can't help being who I am, can I? besides, it's your fault for touching me without my permission!
But if I do ask, you'll say no!
Augh!

---

The door opens. Wide. Soul, Delta, and Scale all turn their heads to see Opera, arms folded...

HOW DARE YOU TWO IMMATURE IMPS SHOW UP INFRONT OF MY DOORSTEP AND BE SO INDEC--
huuh?

Opera looks dumbounded as, contrary to her imagination, Soul has Scale strangled by the neck, with a fist in her other hand. Only Delta, who is in front of the two, reacts happily.

...
...
Opera!

Although nearly foiled by her previous dumbfounded reaction, Delta leaps towards Opera's arms, leading to a tight embrace.

Now there is my splendid little man. You have been behaving yourself, I hope?
Mmmhmm!! I've been good all this time! Right, Soul?
Yes. Do you not agree with Delta here, sister?
...

Soul looks at Delta. Her eyes then glance at Opera's. And then back at Delta's. After a few seconds of silence, she haphazardly motions throws Scale away.

Heyheywhat are you-- THAT'S MY FACE!

Seconds after chucking him with relative ease, a thud noise is made somewhere.

Uhhh... y-yeah. The little brat's been as sweet as ever.
Wonderful! I believe we would all be upset if an unfortunate accident were to happen.

The edge in Opera's tone seems to cause an uneasiness in Soul's demeanor. The former, however, reverts back to her previous self as she gently places Delta down.

Very good! I am thoroughly impressed. You are always a good boy whenever we meet. Unlike Scale. I must reward you.
That makes me happy~! With what?
Come in and find out... and I suppose those two can enter if they want.

Opera and Delta walk inside, followed by a sharp door slam. Soul lowers her head to this...

Speed Star Speed Star

♫ 09_kyoui ♫

A large, cloaked man sipping a cup of coffee watches the repairing of Justice Avenue live on-screen...

Goodness. An extreme amount of collateral damage-- and only after a mere skirmish, no less.

The man rubs his forehead, seemingly annoyed. Even still, the coldness in his voice does not waver the slightest.

A robot and a genetically-empowered human, with a trivial grudge to settle... something that seems so simple, so miniscule...
...and yet... for the very same trivial cause, hundreds of lives were to be endangered for.

He picks up his white mug, giving it a few sips before putting it down where it lay before.

The President's intention was to crack down on such cases in an attempt to establish peace and a sense of safety. Perhaps he could have pulled it off... if not for the tragic freak accident which ended him.

He turns around.

Even if not for his own sake... I will not let his attempts go to waste. One step at a time... the globe will know peace.
...But not before I finish this cappuccino.

He takes another sip of his coffee.

Rideback with Sacred Revival. Rideback Sacred Revival. Valk, Glass, Sleipnir, and whoever the hell is below this will all be instantly brought back with 5 boosts should anything happen to them.

Speed Star. He's gone first. Speed Star again.

(To be clear, Valk, Sleipnir, and Glass have Light Scourge because the uesr and target both gain it, and also mount users share status effects and stat gains)

Sleipnir uses Mount and then targets Valkyrie Woman. He follows up with Rideback, causing her to follow up with Light Scourge +, sharing it with Glass.

Walter isn't on fire anymore. Why? The world will never know.

("Diamond Hydra"... it's finally beginning to make sense now. I'm completely certain...)
(....I have never heard of her until now.)

Walter shakes his head erratically in an attempt to bring himself back to reality.

Nice to meet you! I'm Walter. Walter Oliver. Not famous, but I'm still really happy with the friends and family I have, heehee...
Uh... I'm also what some people call a 'Reaper'. Hard to explain... but basically, I'm not really a normal person. Not to sound arrogant.

---

As Delta and Scale pass by, a Space Orb appears in front of them. Walking out is Soul, who looks somewhat battle-damaged.

Stupid fire-guy ditched me. If I had another two minutes, he woulda been down for the count.
Mhm.
He woulda!
Why not?

Scale's smirk suddenly disappears. He clears his throat.

Forget the damages. I'll... have everything repaired.
...repair...

Soul approaches Scale until they are a foot apart. She grabs him by the collar and lifts him off the ground, shaking him.

What is this? You tryna pull a fast one on me? Make me owe you a favor? Blackmail?
Nope. I only wish to make amends. But of course, if you prefer having law troubles again...

As if on cue, Scale is immediately dropped from the collarhold, and falls on his rear end. Soul turns around, folding her arms.

F-fine! Do what you want, I don't care! It's not my problem anyway!

Soul continues walking away. Scale sighs, gets up, and dusts himself... and Delta tugs him by the leg.

That's her way of saying 'thank you'. She must really apricate what you did for her!
Appreciate. And... she's certainly an interesting specimen. It'd be a shame if that interest would be forced to end so abruptly.

Sleipnir is the active unit right now. He uses Rapid Ramp-Up. If he goes either first or second, Mach Aura follows.

...
...Yes. Yes! And that is also the reason my skin has caught on fire!! But, it is nothing to fear. It will go away. I think.

Though he doesn't move his head itself, he looks around, giving spontaneous glances at the entire room. Except Hydra Diamond's eyes.

...Sorry again... It's probably rude of me to ask, since I literally crashed here uninvited.... but what... are you?