“You’re sure you can talk?” Ling asks, as our new table and chairs float above the crater I made. I find it daunting that I made this, then filled and overflowed it with my own body. It’s astounding to me that I am ANY bit as powerful as I have become.

From what I’ve heard and seen though… I am led to assume that I am in no less than the eighty percent of all creatures. The one percent including the world powers, and the world councils- “Hey, you there, uh- Big-Coat?” Ling suddenly asks, surprising me…

“I was thinking about something, just got caught up in my own head is all.” Fear says for me, before shutting off IDM again. “Right… Then… Let’s get started!” He says, and the recap resumes!

-√F-

So Demitallis just decided to host the recap with Ling and Altoviansora… “Hey, you’re with Big-Coat right?” A girl asks, and I back away- “You’re a white coat! What’s up with you guys? What’s with your leader? Are you a cult? Are you really that powerful? Where did you come from? Will you destroy the world? I hope so-” She begins to say, and I consider pulling her into the abyss…

“Please stop.” I say, and so she does. “We’re not a cult. Our leader’s just some idiot. Yes, I am ‘THAT’ powerful. And the world as of yet, is currently not a target.” I say, and her arms droop. “Aw…” She says, looking away and folding her arms.

“You want me to destroy the world?” I ask, and she looks at me. “Oh, someone like Arigold would stop you, but it’d be cool to think about.” She disappointingly says as I begin to walk away- “Hey, what’s your power?” She asks, surprising me.

“I’m the one with shadows.” I say, ejecting them from my cloak. “No- Aren’t you supposed to have a psychic power?” She asks, and I shake my head. “No, most of my team doesn’t have one. Our leader’s ability is good enough, so we got in off of her.” I say, as she begins to follow me.

“That sucks. So it’s literally just her?” She asks, and I nod, as I open the stream. “Look at him running!” Demitallis laughs before going silent again, after having rewound the recap back on Zumo. “This is the best! Go back again, look at how much distance he has to make!” She says, as it rewinds and we watch him climb out of the tropical jungle again…

“Can we please move on? Even I’M getting bored.” Altov says, and so they do. “Fine, alright, I get it.” Demitallis says, completely unaware of how impulsive she has been since she got on there…

“You were certainly right about her being an idiot.” The girl says, her arms behind her back as she leans toward the screen. “Well, kind of. She just got a few screws loose.” I say, as vehicles pass by, one of them swerving and-

It shoots towards us, and I anchor myself before catching it with my arm- “Woah, you ARE strong.” The girl says. “What’s your name?” I ask, deciding that I should stop calling her: ‘The girl’ “Mailin… Are you okay?” She asks, as a man climbs out of his car and looks at it.

“Sorry about that, thank you for catching my car.” He says, as he scratches the back of his head. “Yeah… No problem. Learn to control your vehicle better.” I say, and he nods with humility.

“Man, that totally would have injured me if I tried that.” Mai says, as I roll my eyes. “Are you a legendary creature? You don’t look like you’re all that much older than me.” She says, STILL following me. “No, I’m human.” I say, surprising her again.

“Seriously? I didn’t know humans like us could get this strong. Especially at our age.” She says, just another reminder. “Yes, it just takes lots of intense training. Now leave me alone.” I say, before sinking into my shadow to teleport away.

I exit the alley and spot a little girl with that guy named Fullbrim, running a lemonade stand. They look at me, and wave. “Oh, hey, one of the white coats! You’re with Big-Coat, right? Whatcha up to?!” He asks, as the little girl sells a cup.

“I was just about to watch the recap.” I say, as a larger screen appears in front of us- “Oh yeah, Slade literally just slammed the poor thing into the ground. It’s like a landmark now.” Demitallis says, referring to the depressing remains of the Polar Dominion.

“Yeah, I really thought Vultrym would win.” Altov says, as the screen switches back to the three. “I did too, actually. Then Slade decided to be a contestant in the race, and I don’t have anyone on hand who can stop HIM. So yeah…” Ling says, as he sits back.

“Moving on.” Demitallis says, as the next clip starts up. “Karohty engages Mistral in combat, and deftly avoids his attacks.” She says, as the stream shows us just that. “I guess he didn’t get the memo.” She adds, chuckling.

We watch as tornadoes form, kicking up trees as Karohty throws his fist at Mistral, before being blown away by an invisible force. “Seems each team has a strong leader, at least.” Altov says, as she lies back again. “And I’m easily the best.” Demitallis says, surprising them.

“Sure. Moving on,” He says, cuing the next clip. “Karohty actually managed to beat him, after that, Fullbrim began his next musical, and the rest of the race was pretty uneventful…” Ling says, as realization hits him…

“I made a mistake.” He says, slime slapping against his newly crystalized forehead. “Alright, new rule. No destroying vehicles. You can fight the contestants, but if you break their vehicle, instant disqualification.” He says, surprising everyone.

“Oh thank goodness.” Demitallis says, surprising him in return. “I legit had no idea how I was going to stop Slade.” She says, and I realize how screwed we would have been… “I told you she wouldn’t try and defeat you yet.” The little girl says, as I begin to question the whole lemonade stand in the first place-

“You were right. How’d you guess?” Fullbrim asks, and she looks at him. “She likes racing against you guys the most, so she’ll most likely take you out last.” She answers, confusing me- “How’s that related to what Demitallis said?” I ask, placing my hands on my hips.

“I’m Stussy. What’s your name?” She asks, and I fold my arms. “I asked YOU a question, kid.” I tell her, and she stares at me for a minute. “I don’t like you.” She says, throwing her toy bear at me- “Hey-” I reflexively say, as it plaps against my arm before softly hitting the ground.

“You little-” I say, pulling my arm back, but a plush bear claw stops my fist as it grows to about the size of an actual BEAR- “Make him go away, Copper!” She says, pointing her lollipop at me… Copper nods and throws his fists at me, making me catch them with my own!

“Hey, stop that, you’ll get disqualified!” Fullbrim says, and the bear lets me go. “You would seriously hit her?” He asks, as he looks at me. “Not that hard! Besides, she started it.” I say, as I fold my arms. “Yeah, and fighting like THAT is still not okay.” He says.

“Seriously, Stussy. I don’t know what you were told, but you can’t just do whatever you want.” Fullbrim says, surprising her, as the bear shrinks back down and walks up to her. “He’s rude.” She says, folding her arms, her bear still in her hand.

“And you’re a brat.” I snap back at her- “You’re both being brats. Listen, she’s younger than you dude, you have to be more mature.” He tells us, then looks at me, and I nod. “Yeah, I’m sorry. It’s hard for me, alright?” I ask, and he nods in return.

“Sorry about her, she’s a little bullheaded.” He says, as she pours a cup of lemonade. “So what’s with the lemonade stand?” I finally got the chance to ask. “Oh, I’ve got a bit of a thing for money, you see.” He says, pushing a cup towards me.

“Fine. How much?” I ask, and he cheers- “Five for a small, ten for a medium, and twenty for a large!” He says, already pouring me a large. “Why not?” I ask, using my vast riches to pay for the aforementioned large. “Hell yeah, man.” He says, as I begin drinking it.

“So what’s she doing on your team? I can recognize her as one of Serif’s kids.” I say, surprising him. “Really? How come?” He asks, and I roll my eyes. “I’ve met and worked with him before, dude.” I say, as the girl stares at me.

“You actually know my father?” She asks, as I sip from the cup. “Yeah, I bet I know him better than YOU do.” I say, chuckling as I point at her. “Oh… Okay…” She says, looking away pathetically. “Have you… Met Alvoc? He’s another of Serif’s children. One of the castouts.” I say, surprising her.

“No. Where is he?” She asks, the sad look off her face. “Back in Tauseht. I’m sure he’d be happy to meet you.” I say, admittedly feeling a little bad about trying to make fun of her family troubles… “Oh, so HE’S Alvoc… Thank you.” She says, as I roll my eyes once more.

-√B-

“Lockey! I’m back!” I call out- “Who the fuck said that?!” He screams, from inside the building, before running out- “Oh- Nexus. What do you want?” He asks, and I fold my arms. “I was gone for like, a month.” I say, and he stares at me…

“Did you miss me?” I ask, surprising him. “Oh- Yeah, uh…” He says, before Jackal runs out. “I’ve come to report! The toilet is on fire!” He says, saluting us. “Good job, jackass. Was it Brute?” He asks, and he nods.

“Yep!” He shouts, making Lockey clench his ears- “Dude- Fuck’s sake- You know that hurts my ears-” He says, as Jackal waits for orders. “Alright, you know what I want you to do?” He asks, and Jackal shakes his head. “FIX. IT. It’s not hard, Jackal!” He shouts, and Jackal runs off.

“Holy shit, Nexus, everything has been falling apart without you.” Lockey says, as he turns around to look at me again. “I figured they would. What with your disability.” I say, and he glares at me- “FUCK. YOU.” He says, as I fold my arms.

“I can confirm that I am indeed a robot.” I say, surprising him as I lean on my right leg. “Oh, shit. Sorry to hear… Right? That means something to you, right? Sorry- You know I have trouble remembering.” He says, and I nod. “Yeah, it’s okay man. Any missions?” I ask, and he nods.

“Uh- Yeah. I’ll go check in with Hunter. Make sure Brute and Jackal don't ruin the toilet further.” He says, as we walk into the building and separate again. “Right, I’ll get on it.” I say, before the doors close behind us.

-√A-

“I need to go.” I say, as it dawns on me. “Huh? What’s up?” Ling asks. “I just need to go, sorry Ling.” I say, before attaching a string to a building, and pulling myself towards it. I land on top of it, and collect my thoughts, as I jump from roof to roof.

Ling should have thought about that, right? And the rules are FAR from perfect. What if a team just doesn’t disband before getting to the end? What THEN? Do they have to try and come up with a wish that incorporates all of THEIRS? What if there were multiple teams at the end? Duel to the death?

That’s not logical with the current rules, he should have considered this stuff… He has to be manipulating things behind the scenes, which makes him way too suspicious, if people are disappearing, and he’s hiding stuff from us.

Still, he admitted that it was happening either way. I guess I should consider that he just really didn’t think of it, and the admins have been making sure the race goes properly, out of loyalty. Either that, or it’s the other one I was thinking about…

Or a different reason- I don’t know. But what I do know is that I can’t risk people being hurt. I jump down and land on the hard concrete below me, looking around as people stare at me- It’s the girl named Archy, the leader of Archy’s Ravagers, as you would easily guess.

“Hey!” I call out, surprising her as I walk up. “Oh, you’re Nova’s leader.” She says, as one of her teammates walks up and places a cup of ice-cream in front of her.

Demi - “Yeah… You heard about the disappearances? Do you know anything? If so, you NEED to tell me.”

She looks around, then at me. “I have… I’m sorry, I wish I knew. I’ll tell you if I find anything though.” She says, as I jump onto the table. “What’re you investigating us for?” The other one asks, grabbing my attention again.

Demi - “I’m Demitallis Genesis. I’m revealing my name in hopes you guys will have faith and trust in my spoken word. Ling’s hiding stuff from us, and he can’t be trusted. I’m not sure about anything, either, but we need to do something if people are getting hurt.”

They stare at me, as Archy takes a small bite of her ice-cream. “Right…” She begins… “I heard the stories… So you guys survived, huh?” She asks.

Demi - “Yes, we survived, but please speak to me through telepathy, I’ve got powerful enemies, if you reveal too much, I’LL be killed. I’m trusting you here.”

“O-Oh.” She says, nervously scratching the back of her head.

Arch - “Like this?”

Demi - “Yeah.”

She starts on her ice-cream again-

Arch - “Right… So what do you want me to do? Join the investigation effort?”

Demi - “Yeah, kind of. At the moment, everyone’s a suspect. Even me. Thank you for understanding. I’m going to go see if I can figure this out.”

She dumbs the rest of the Ice-Cream into her mouth, swallows, and gives me a thumbs up. “You got it, Big-Coat. You can count on us.” She says, allowing me to heave a nonexistent sigh of relief. “I guess I should tell you my name.” Her friend says, surprising me.

“I’m Tinnie. We were watching you on the recap earlier. Is this why you had to run off?” She asks, as she rests her giant arms on the table. “Yeah. I can’t waste any more time, or take any risks. I should get going.” I say, and wave me off as I shoot into the sky again with my threads.

I swing from building to building like one of my favorite superheroes, flying along as I look around, and spot Zephyr. “Hey!” I call out again, grabbing his attention as I land in front of him. “Big-Coat! How’s it going?” He asks, as I crawl up to him.

Demi - “I’m far more suspicious of Ling than I was earlier. At this point, I don’t know who to trust. Anyways, I’ve come to inform you-”

He lies back- “Jeez, Soldier, calm down and enjoy our break.” He says, surprising me. “I think we both know my team is going to lose the next race.” He says, as I jump onto the table. “So let’s just hang out, man.” He says, as I calm down.

“Yeah, alright, fine.” I say, as I adjust my worry to the more pressing matter of how much mana I’m using up. “I’m doing well, actually. IDM still takes a lot of my mana, but I can use it to talk a little now.” I say, as he I feel my nerves ease by the second.

“Have you been enjoying the competition, Zephyr? What were you going to wish for?” I ask, and he just kind of shrugs. “I dunno’. Figured I would probably try and wish for more wishes. If that didn’t work, I’d give it to Pincer, or I’d hold onto it in case I ever need it.” He says, surprising me.

“But yeah, I’ve been having a lot of fun. Even if I AM just driving an oversized car.” He says, making me internally giggle.

Demi - “Yeah, I guess it’s not much, huh? But you’re not much of a fighter either… Are you?”

He shakes his head. “Well, kind of. I used to be an adventurer, you see, but I’m more of a scientist now. I could never stand up to people like Vultrym or Slade.” He says, reminding me that I’ve got to talk to Fullbrim and Slade.

Demi - “Right… The break’s been good, but I should go.”

“Oh, that sucks. Bye.” He says, before I run off again, looking for Fullbrim. I find him hanging out with Vilstrous, surprising me. “Hey guys!” I say, before landing next to them. “Oh, Big-Coat. Whatcha doing here?” Fullbrim asks, as I look at his lemonade stand.

Demi - “Do you know Ling? Like, personally?”

He nods. “Yeah. He’s an old friend. What about it?” He asks. “Nothing. I was just curious for personal reasons. So how much for a lemonade? Talking takes so much out of me…” I say, as I grab the jug of lemonade, and pour it all into my mass…

“Well, for that much, about two hundred of the World Standard.” He says, and I teleport home, find the money I had been ‘borrowing’ from Dart, and return back- “Back!” I say, tossing out what I assume is the ‘World-Standard’. “Huh. I was starting to think you just dipped.” He says, counting the coins.

“I was hoping for that. Would have given me a good laugh.” Vilstrous says, chuckling.

Demi - “Don’t worry, the money’s stolen anyways.”

He bursts with laughter- “Yeah! Crimes!” He lightly cheers, laughing as Fullbrim glares at him with heavy disappointment. “Alright, well, thank you Big-Coat.” Fullbrim says, as I decide to move on. “Do you know where Slade is?” I ask, and he shrugs.

“Wish I did. But nobody can track that guy.” He says, of which is sadly not the most helpful… “So who are you?” I ask, pointing at the girl under my tarp. “Stussy. Your name?” She asks-

Demi - “Demitallis.”

She nods. “She’s one of Serif’s daughters. Did you know that?” Vilstrous asks. “Oh. Like Alvoc? I actually got to meet him.” I say, surprising them. “Could you take me to meet him?” Stussy asks, as she places her hands on the counter.

“Sorry, I’ve gotta’ find Slade first-” I say, but her eyes widen. “He’s on his way to the city hall, he’ll be talking to the mayor. Like he did with Pondcall, and King Volcarus.” She says, surprising me in return with this sudden jump in information.

“How do you even know that?” Fullbrim asks, as he folds his arms. “I’m… I’m a seeker.” She reluctantly says- Now she’s got my attention. “I met a girl a few months ago talking about that. Her name was Glorigold.” I say, and they stare at me.

“One of Valigold’s? Father of Prince Arigold?” Fullbrim asks. “Yeah, crazy. Right? Anyways, I’ll make you a deal, Stussy, bring me to Slade, and I’ll take you to meet Alvoc.” I say, and she nods. “Alright. Follow me.” She says, and I jump onto her shoulder, as she jumps down from the lemonade-stand and runs off with me.

“Have you met anymore of my brothers or sisters?” She asks, and I consider it for a moment… “Probably not. How many of you are there?” I ask, as I attach a string and pull us forward. “Since I last checked? Around seven-thousand three-hundred, give-or-take? By now I should have a couple baby brothers or sisters.” She says…

I sit here on her shoulder for a full minute in silence- “Related by blood, right?” She nods, and there it is. “HOW?” I ask, wrought with disbelief… “I dunno’. I’m six.” She says, as it dawns on me what kind of guy that bastard must be-

“We’re all half-siblings,- The vast majority of us, at least- if you’re curious.” She says, confirming it- “There is NO fucking way your dad is getting away with that morally.” I say, and she shrugs, as we finally spot Slade.

Demi - “Slade! Speak to me through my telepathy! You were watching the stream, right?”

He stops and looks at us, standing as tall as Stussy.

Slad - “Is it about Ling? I knew from the start. He’s always hiding something, kid. Although, I’ll admit he usually doesn’t half ass his projects like that.”

Demi - “And that uncertainty is why you’ve accepted talking to me with telepathy.”

Slad - “Yeah. I’m impressed you’ve picked up on as much as you have, especially not knowing the guy personally.”

He looks away for a minute, folds his arms and grimaces, then rubs his head as he looks at us again.

Slad - “In all honesty… Ling’s probably got some sort of hand in it. I just hope he doesn’t drag me down with him again. Still… If it IS what I’m thinking it is, then I’ll be able to use it for my own ends too. You’re on your own, kid.”

And with that, he finally returns to his trip to the town hall… “Why’d you just stare at him?” Stussy asks, as I jump down and grow into my true size. “I was going to talk to him, but I decided against it.” I say, as I grab her and toss her on top of me, before bringing us back to Genesis Haven.

“Welcome to my home.” I say, as I show her around my seemingly empty room. “Wh-What? How high up are we?” She asks, as I jump from my tower and watch as the island speeds it away, landing on a street and moving onto the edge of the island before anyone can talk to me.

“I dunno’. Never checked, but that’s where I live.” I say, as we descend at what WOULD be alarming speed. “It’s nice!” She says, before we land, with Tauseht in sight.

Demi - “Luckily for us, there’s no cameras out this far, so I can tell you my name. It’s Demitallis, nice to meet you, Stussy.”

I bounce her into the air, and pull the tarp into my body for safe-keeping. “Are you a slime?” She asks, as we make our way to Tauseht.

Demi - “Nah. Puddle kid. My species got wiped out a LONG time ago. Anyways, I’m surprised you never went up to the castle when we were here.”

“I was nervous. Uncertain. Do you think he’ll hate me? He’s my older brother, but daddy decided to cast him out, I was two when that happened.” She says, moments before we enter the kingdom, a little while before we arrive at Volcarus.

Speaking of which: “Hey! Volcarus! I can speak physically now!” I call out, and he rumbles in his sleep, before lifting his head out of the ground again. “Ah, Demitallis. Have you already grown in such a short time? And who’s this friend you have brought with you?” He asks, as the aforementioned friend stares at him.

“I’m Stussy.” She says, making him raise an eyebrow. “Another of Serif’s?” He asks, and she nods. “Are you here for MY son? Tell Serif that Orbe is gone, only Alvocus remains.” He says, but she stands up and shakes her head.

“No, I just wanted to meet him. My dad isn’t very nice to any of us.” She announces to him, as his eyes narrow… “Fine. He is down in Tauseht, he said he wanted to try and investigate on his own a little more.” He says, as Stussy looks down at me.

-√G-

All things considered, I had a good run. I’m certain the rest of my team are looking to join with everyone else. Especially with Smorska going missing… Pincer said he would stick it out with me, and I promised to teach him my skills.

Still, I kinda miss Smorska, she was fun. Maybe Big-Coat is right about Ling being suspicious. Not that I didn’t have mine, but Ling always carried himself so well. I guess I don’t know him as well as some people though. I was just one of the first people he talked to about the race, a year before it would come to play.

My power to enhance others should get me a free spot on pretty much any team, but I still want to stick to my guns. Besides, in the end, I would definitely lose anyways. I never stood a chance. I guess once I lose, I’ll just have to have hope that Ling really ISN’T the one behind all of this.

I take a look back at the live-stream, and notice that we’re currently at twelve million watchers, after having spiked up to thirty million last night. I have to admit it makes me nervous, knowing that potentially millions might be watching me at this very moment.

I look to the right, and spot a giant creature wearing a trench-coat, hiding himself under his fedora, two large yellow eyes glowing a beacon among his dark exterior. “Hey! Zumo!” I call out, surprising him as I walk up.

“That’s your name, right? You’re incredible, dude.” I say, as I stop in front of him. “O-Oh, thank you…” He says, as he lies against a high-rise in the middle of the street, blocking traffic. “I’m sorry… About your friends…” He says, surprising me as he looks away.

“What do you mean?” I ask, surprising him in return. “Oh, the little fire girl… The fish boy… I’m sorry they dropped out…” He says, and my eyes can’t help but widen- “But Pincer promised me- What’s ACTUALLY going on, Zumo?!” I ask, as I suddenly begin to feel weird-

“Hey-” I say, as buildings fall through the world, and streets tangle around each other and I lose my sense of gravity- “Where am I?” I ask, before awakening in a new place- “Wake up…” Zumo says, as I find us in the middle of a forest…

“You know too much, Zephyr… I’m sorry…” He says, as he raises his fist, and I have to guard as he brings it down on me- He disappears and slams it into my back like a freight-train, launching me into multiple trees-

I lift myself with my arms, heaving as I look up at him- “Just you wait until Ling finds out…” I say, and his eyes narrow. “He’ll tell everyone what you’re doing… You were behind all of it…” I say, and he chuckles… “I’m sorry…” He once again says…

“I don’t mean to laugh…” He begins. “I just… Can’t help but find it ironic…” He says, as a portal opens next to us… “There he is! You finish breaking him yet?” Ling suddenly asks, his head looking at Zumo, but his eye focused on me…

“No. Just a few minutes.” He says, as I stand on my legs, a little shaky- Crystal bullets strike my body, exploding- “Warp-” I say, only now realizing what’s going on… “Is there even a prize?” I ask, and Ling laughs.

“Sure there is. Right, Zumo?” He asks, and Zumo nods in reply, as Ling opens another portal. “Come on, let’s go make his chrysallis.” Ling says, as I’m dragged into a dark cave, nine crystal growths sticking out of the ground. “Pretty good, ey? I've QUITE the collection going.” Ling says, as Zumo places me next to one, allowing me to hear it pulsate…

I stare at it for a moment as Ling crystallized his arm, and his ‘chrysalis’ builds around me… And like this, it seems I’ve lost in an instant… It must be Pincer and Smorska in those two, I wish I could have saved at least them…

-√A-

“Alvoc! It’s me, Demi!” I call out, surprising him before he turns around to look at me. “Oh, you’re already back.” He says, walking up as Stussy and his eyes meet… “And you’re talking… Who’s that?” He asks, as they continue to stare at each other.

“Your half-sister. Two years after you.” I say, and she lowers to hide behind the rising point in my water. “Oh… It’s been so long… It’s nice to meet you.” He says, walking up to me as she stares at him.

“Hey… I’m Stussy…” She says, still very nervous for some reason. “Alvocus. I’m glad I got to meet you.” He says, so preciously… Why can’t Arivan be this cute? Terminal too, for that matter.

“Yeah, um, likewise. Bye.” She says, patting my surface, and I decide to take that as a sign to take her and I to the blue walrus, via an underground mana-link to its teleporter, only after pushing my cloak back up.

Demi - “I assumed that was what you wanted?”

We arrive and she looks around, as I carry her out of the small nest. “Yeah. Well, kind of. I didn’t know you could teleport.” She says, climbing down as I shrink and enter the elevator with her. “Where are we?” She asks, as we arrive at the top.

Demi - “Fair enough. We’re on the Blue Walrus. How come you didn’t want to spend more time with him?”

“We’re not allowed to talk. It’s part of daddy’s rules, after someone has been exiled.” She says, as we jump down from the not-so-average car. “So what now?” I ask, and she kind of shrugs. “Try and win the race. Get the prize.” She says, as I look over at the starting line.

I’d consider trying to just go LOOK at the prize, but I’m not so sure… I mean, who’s even GUARDING it, right? “Good luck with that.” I say, as I question whether it’s even there. If not? Then my decision will have already been made.

She walks away, and I look to the horizon to watch the sun set. Night’s almost here, I really should have asked Alvoc about any updates, in case he found anything. Either way, though, I’ll weed them out. Besides, I know the way there anyways.

I scrunch a little in personal reaction, as though I’m trying to squeeze the stress out of my body- I was supposed to enjoy this, and either win or lose. I’ve been enjoying combat, all things considered, but I didn’t want anyone to actually get HURT. Ya’ know, beyond getting hit a little.

Why can’t people just be nice to each other, right? Is that so hard? Well, years of humans being horrible to each other would beg to differ, of course. But I know it’s not really my place to judge, as I don’t know the circumstances, whether they be malevolent or benevolent.

I watch for a little longer, only now deciding to move on as the city lights up behind me. I use my threads to swing around, narrowly avoiding puncturing the tarp as my weight builds some good momentum. I land in front of a large crater in the ground and look around.

“This is the area! Where the cameras shut off!” Someone shouts, as I look around and consider calling up Calbdin. Although, even I can tell there was some sort of struggle. “Did you guys see anyone nearby?!” I ask, surprising them as they turn to look at me.

“No! Sorry! It was just the big red guy, the cameras shut off for a few minutes, then he was gone.” A rather large man, with a monkey clinging to him says, as he folds he arms. “He’s the size of a mountain. How does he sneak around so well?!” I ask, as I use IDM to try and enhance my thought process…

But with a lack of suspects or evidence, it’s a wasted effort… “I just hope more people don’t go missing.” I say, as I tell Calbdin to investigate anyways, before shooting into the air with another thread and making my way around the city.

I spot Lex and Vexalan sitting with Arc, as Vexalan pets on the little thing. “Hey guys.” I say, surprising them as I land with a soft thuddy-splat. “Oh, hey.” Lex says. “You’re talking now?” Vexalan asks. “Yeah, I’m finally old enough to talk!” I say, as I improve the skill.

She leans on the chair. “So what are you doing here?” She asks, as I jump down from the table and onto the ground. “Just saying hello. Looking for something to do. You know how it is.” I say, as they kind of shrug. “I saw you won that little contest. You just love flaunting your powers, huh?” Lex asks, folding his arms.

Demi - “Dude, my body is so weird. All I HAVE is the ability to just eat, eat, and eat some more. It’s a part of my fizzy-all-oh-gee. So I don’t give a damn.”

They both stand up- “Well it’s not exactly fair. Anyways, let’s go find something to do.” Lex says, as Vexalan shooshes Arc back to sleep, puting the kitten on her shoulder. “Let’s go find the rest of our team, then head to sleep.” Vexalan says, grabbing his arm…

“You’re right, it’s already pretty late.” Lex says, as they look at me. “I don’t sleep, so I guess I’ll just go find my own fun.” I say, and they nod. “Right. See ya’.” Lex says, and I decide to run off on my own, attaching another thread to another building.

Swinging around like this is one of my favorite things to do right now, the city-setting especially helps with thematic feeling of heroism. You know, something I’ve noticed a distinct lack of, is poison, venom, and other such biological weapons.

Has nobody ever thought about it? Is this world waiting for its first bio-weapon? Is it gonna’ have to be me? Nah. I wouldn’t do that, but I bet it would be pretty effective… Unless… You don’t think… WOULD it work? I that why nobody uses it?

That doesn’t really matter, though- A large sound suddenly erupts in the distance, as I look up to see a hole knocked in the cloud layer… Orion’s ring, it fired an orbital strike, glassing a nearby location. I stare at it, watching as it travels out of view around the planet.

I spot a large layer of smoke under the spot it attacked, and rush over to see if I can figure out what was going on. It takes me about an hour before I finally arrive. I wonder what it’s like for the ancients, having a giant floating ring just fire down upon them.

I finally arrive and find the wrecked remains of what must have been a spaceship. Mostly just separate pieces sticking out of the ground, though. Unless it was made up of tiny pieces, and fell apart after being shot, I’m assuming the blast wiped off the majority of the ship.

“Hey, you’re the kid my little sister’s been hanging out with!” A familiar voice calls out. I turn my gaze around and spot Robin herself. “Hello!” I call out, and she jumps down, walking up to me. “Alright, what’s up, kiddo? Finally learned how to talk, huh?” She asks, surprisingly confusing me.

“I was always able to talk.” I say, and she just scratches the back of her hair. “Since when? Last time I saw you… Your little friends were just talking to you, and using you as a giant bed.” She says, and I figure out what she’s talking about-

“Oh, I get it. You can’t interpret my telepathy. Can you?” I ask, and her jaw lowers. “Oh. OH. So that’s why Demi hangs out with you.” She says. “Yeh.” I answer. “Well that explains a lot for me… So were you BORN like this?” She asks, and I crawl over to one of the ship pieces.

“Yeah. I’m just super smart.” I say, and she folds her arms, nodding… “Right… Huh… You couldn’t be… Hey. Are you checking out this wreckage? Liyoxis had me shoot it out of the sky for whatever reason.” She says, confirming my suspicions, as I pull out the super light material from the ground.

“It’s incredibly light, Robin. What’s up with it?” I ask, tearing a piece off, the weak metal bending and tearing like play-dough. “Not sure. Liyoxis told me to wipe out the remains. I wanted to inspect the field before I wrecked anything else.” She says, as I mold it, watching as it morphs under the most miniscule efforts.

“It’s so fragile. It’s kind of fun to play with.” I say, as I toss it into the air, intending to catch it, but she blasts it, completely annihilating it. “You should head off, Demitallis. I’ve got the rest of whatever this is to get rid of.” She says, and I look at the city.

“You sure you don’t want any help?” I ask, and she folds her arms. “Yeah. Bye.” She says, and I look at the remains of the ship, at her, then finally decide not to do so, since I doubt I could get it past her.

-√C-

It’s morning, and the next course will be starting up soon. I walk out onto the lookout-platform of the Blue Walrus. “Hey Glant. I’ve got a headache.” I say, as Demitallis lands on the vehicle and looks at us. “You too?” Glant asks, and he folds his arms.

“You guys having headaches? I CANNOT relate.” Demitallis chuckles, her voice portraying more energy and emotion than this little water balloon has any right to do. “Cool, Demi.” Glant says, as he folds his arms.

The Blue Walrus starts up, taking us to the starting line. “Looks like the course’ll be startin’ up any moment now.” I say, as we watch Ling descend from the sky, sitting on his moon-thing.He’s short again for some reason. He stands up, places his hands behind his back, looks down, and announces:

“I… Have something to admit...” Ling says, surprising everyone as the whole world stares. “I believe I may have found out who is behind the disappearances.” He says, as Glant and I sit down to listen a little better.

“I won’t name anyone, because I want you to come out to me on your own. I’m very disappointed…” He continues, before leaning against the moon. “If you don’t, I will be forced to out you, and stop you. You have until the end of this round.” He finishes, as he pulls out his fishing rod.

“Moving on, you’ll be racing on hard light bridges over the ocean.” He says, a sudden and surprising turn. “They were provided by Demistar herself, if you can believe it. Just follow the road blocks, and you’ll find them. Remember, no destroying vehicles.” He says, before continuing.

“Furthermore, if you fall off, a drone will be dispatched to pick you up.” He says, as I look at the ocean, considering how deep a fall that would be. “You’ll be racing to Fosyde, and with that…” He DRAMATICALLY holds, as I shift a little.

“May the race begin.” He says, whisking his rod as the moon shoots into the air. We stand as the hook stills, and the vehicles bolt into action, nearly knocking the three of us off. “Jeez, almost lost you guys there.” Demi says, after having pulled us back in with her thread.

“Where do we start?” I ask, as we watch the vehicles slowly grow in distance from us. “We should wait until we get to the hard light bridges, see things play out.” Demitallis says, and I fold my arms, sit down again, and watch the bright red signs point us in our direction.

Large bridges made of shades of blue, purple, and pink come into view, and we quickly make our way onto one, watching as the bridge deconstructs behind us. “That’s probably to keep people from choosing the same bridge.” Glant says, as he stares at me.

“What do you mean?” Demitallis asks, as she looks at us, and Glant looks at her, while I continue to watch the pretty bridge disappear. “Oh god, it’s right on our tail! Full speed, guys!” She suddenly says, as I stand up, but the Blue Walrus keeps its current momentum.

“Fast as it goes.” Glant says, shrugging. “So are we taking out Slade’s team?” I ask, slamming my fist into my palm. “Nah. We’re going to leave them for last, in case Slade decides to end up missing for whatever reason.” She says, surprising me with this kind of plan…

“That’s not like you.” I say, folding my arms as I stand up again. “I know. I’m not the type to sit around and wait, am I?...” She asks, and I spot the League of Friendship and no escape’s vehicle on another hard-light bridge.

“We’re taking out that one.” She continues, pointing at the League who had been helping us out this whole time… “He knows his team can’t win, so I figured we’d at least finish him off like warriors.” Demi says, surprising me… “That’s surprisingly noble.” I say, walking up to her.

“Well, we’ve only got so long.” I say, grabbing Glant, and jumping on her. “Get us over there already!” I cheer, and she jumps into the air, attaching a string, as multiple of their members come rushing out, and we land.

“Thank goodness you’re here! Zephyr and Pincer’s gone missing!” He says. He’s like a bipedal hippo, physically large and- as I can only assume -very in charge. “What do you mean?” Demi asks, as Glant and I slide down.

He folds his arms. “We can’t find him anywhere. Do you know anything about what might have happened to them?” She just sits there, motionless, silent… “LING!!!” She suddenly screams, a roar barely muffled by her tarp, as she’s forced to catch it with threads…

Ling descends, since he must have heard it- “Whatup?” He asks, holding a bucket. “Did you want to check out the fish I was catching?” He asks, showing it off. “No.” She answers, surprising him. “What’s wrong? You’re usually so cheery.” He says, climbing down.

A bearing shot flies out from under her cloak, slamming into the moon-thing, making him turn around- “What was that for?!” He asks, as it prematurely slows down and rests. “I want the truth, Ling. Who’s making people disappear?” She asks, as he takes a step back.

“I can’t tell you.” He says, and another bearing shot tears off his arm- “Hey!” I shout. “I get you’re angry, but you don’t need to hurt people.” I tell her, as Glant walks over to Ling. “Do you need healing?” He asks, but Ling declines.

“No, I’m fine. Listen, Big-Coat-” He begins- “No! He TOLD me he would at least see the race to the end, Ling! You will NOT stop me from taking immediate action!” She shouts, but he just looks around nervously.

“I, um…” He begins. “I’ve got reason to believe it might just be YOU, Ling.” She says, approaching him as her body grows in size- “Hey- D-D- I mean- Big-Coat, just listen. I’m certain he won’t try anything now.” Ling says, trying to reason with her.

“And what if he doesn’t? What if he doubles down on it, and starts removing as many people as he can?! You will tell me NOW.” She says, and he jumps backwards, causing a barrage to fly out from under Demi’s tarp, as he uses his open palms to guide them away…

“That is enough. I’m going to give you a moment to cool off, THEN we’ll talk.” He says, picking up moon-bro, before somehow floating away with it… “You okay?” Glant asks, walking back up. “I’m fine, a little tired from all that talking, but otherwise I’m fine.” She says, as we stare at her…

“Listen, uh-” She holds, giving the Hippo guy a chance to talk- “Zajiggl.” He says, raising an eyebrow. “Oh. Anyways, I’m sorry, he’s gone. There’s nothing I can do to help.” She says, and he makes a big frown. “I’m sorry to hear that.” He says, looking down…

“RRGH” She groans, for some reason. “He PROMISED he would be here- What’s the point?... I was excited too… I hope he’s okay, I hope I get to see him again, some day…” She says, and Sir-Jiggle nods. “Hey, let’s go find another team to fight.” I say, but she attaches a string to the Blue Walrus.

“No… It’s pointless…” She says, jumping away, as I place a hand on my hip. “Come on then, Glant. I guess it’s just you and I, then.” I say, and he nods. “Right. Which team were you thinking of?” He asks, as we walk over to the edge of the vehicle.

“I think I know who.” I say, stretching and smiling, hoping for a good fight.

End of Chapter: 49√ABCFG “And further we fall.”

Thank you for reading.

“Hey! Hey! Thanks! Thanks so much!”

“Yeah… Thanks…”