Zataria’s Last Light

Daru and Zodiac crash to the ground and spot Gram and Ohma nearby.

Daru: Gram!?

Gram tilts his head up.

Gram: (Giggles) Oh hey, Daru! Hey, Zodiac! Nice of you to join us.

Gram passes out again.

Ohma: Y-you made it.

Zodiac turns and sees Ohma struggling to stand, clutching his nunchucks.

Zodiac: Looks like you've been through a lot.

Ohma: (In pain) Uhh, yeah, I have, but I held on long enough for you to come.

Zodiac: Take a rest; you did well. I'll handle it from here.

Daru: We'll handle it from here.

Zodiac: Yeah, whatever.

Minus One: Hmm… so you actually—

Before Minus One can finish, Daru rushes out of the dust and begins punching him in the face.

Minus One: Ah—

Minus One dodges Daru's punches and notices a white light approaching from his right. He turns to see Zodiac swinging his scythe toward his neck, which Minus One blocks with his claw.

Minus One: Ughhh…

Zodiac: Look again.

Minus One: What?

He looks at his hand; it's been cleanly severed.

Minus One: WHAT!! BUT HOW?

Zodiac: You're too slow.

Daru: AHHHHHHHH!!

Minus One glances behind him and sees Daru coming in for a punch. He jumps up, dodging the attack.

Daru: AHH, dammit!

Zodiac: Move aside. I had him.

Daru: What? I'm not starting this with you again.

Zodiac: Whatever.

Minus One begins to laugh. Zodiac and Daru glare at him.

Zodiac: Hmm…

Daru: So you can talk.

Minus One regrows his hand.

Minus One: Yes, and I can do much more than just talk.

Daru: Then stop yapping and fight me!

Zodiac: Your chatter is exhausting.

Minus One continues to laugh.

Zodiac: What's so funny?

Minus One: I'm laughing because you cannot defeat me.

Zodiac: And why is that?

Minus One: Because I have no weakness.

Daru: Don't worry; I'll discover it. I'll keep punching you until I do.

Minus One: You really think you can beat me?

Daru: No, I don't think I can. I know I can.

Zodiac: I'll slice you into a million pieces if I have to.

Minus One: If you're so confident, then come show me.

Daru: With pleasure.

Zodiac: Don't get in my way this time.

Daru: Yeah, just shut up and let's put this guy in a cage.

Zodiac and Daru charge at Minus One, who charges back. As they close in, Daru prepares his fists.

Daru: (To himself) Let's see how my training has paid off.

Daru clenches his fists, causing the veins in his hands to turn purple. Zodiac transforms his scythe into a greatsword. They rush to attack Minus One, but he swings both claws at them. Daru and Zodiac respond, resulting in Minus One losing both arms as Daru's fists return to their normal state. Minus One regenerates his arms, seizes Zodiac and Daru by the chest, and slams them into the ground. He attempts to stomp on Zodiac, who employs Sudoshi to appear behind him and attacks from above.

Minus One: Predictable!

Minus One dodges, causing Zodiac to smash the ground, leaving a crater. He kicks Zodiac in the face, sending him into the air. While airborne, Zodiac morphs his greatsword into a bow and begins shooting arrows. Daru bear hugs Minus One, immobilizing him.

Daru: NOWHERE TO RUN NOW!

Minus One: Uhh!!

As the arrows are about to strike, Minus One uses Sudoshi to throw Daru into the air.

Daru: W-what!

Daru covers his face as the arrows hit, exploding and sending him crashing to the ground.

Daru: Ughh—

Zodiac: Damn it! He used my move again! Wait, where is he?

Minus One: Behind you.

Zodiac turns around just in time to see Minus One throwing a punch, landing in Zodiac's stomach and knocking him to the ground. Before he hits the ground, Zodiac uses Sudoshi again, landing on both feet and sliding across the ground. Daru gets up.

Daru: This opponent is becoming quite bothersome.

Zodiac looks at Daru.

Zodiac: What was that technique you used with your hands earlier?

Daru: What? Oh, it's something I've been working on, but I can't control it yet.

Zodiac: Well, now would be a good time to learn.

Daru: You're right. It's not as if I haven't been trying. But you're right; now is better than later.

Daru starts walking toward Minus One.

Zodiac: What the hell are you doing?

Daru: What I do best.

Zodiac: And what is that?

Daru: Using my pain.

Zodiac: What?

Daru: (To himself) Come on, Daru, embrace your pain.

Daru closes his eyes as he approaches Minus One.

Minus One: Coming at me alone?

Daru's fists flicker, capturing the attention of both Zodiac and Minus One.

Minus One: Hmm… What is this?

Zodiac: Finally. It takes him so long to get serious in a fight.

Daru: (Speaking to himself) My pain grants me power once more.

Daru's fists turn purple and pulse with energy. He opens his eyes.

Daru: Ah, it worked.

Zodiac: That's unusual.

Minus One: Colors don't change the fact that you can't kill me.

Daru: Okay, let's try this!

Daru positions his fists side by side and begins to pulse with increased intensity.

Minus One: Hmm…

Zodiac: What the hell is he going to do?

Daru: EAT THIS!!

Daru unleashes a purple beam from his fists directed at Minus One.

Minus One: W-what!

The beam strikes Minus One, generating a shockwave that reverberates throughout the area, while Zodiac shields his eyes from the blinding light.

Zodiac: Uhh—

Zodiac uncovers his eyes to see Daru breathing heavily. He looks at Minus One, who has lost half of his body.

Zodiac: Y-y-you removed half of his body!

Daru: How do you LIKE THAT!

Minus One smiles as his body regenerates.

Daru: AHHH!! COME ON!!

Zodiac: Even that didn't work.

Minus One: I warned you; you cannot kill me.

Daru looks at Zodiac.

Daru: Are you ready for another round?

Zodiac: One step ahead of you.

Zodiac and Daru stand side by side, enhancing their auras. Meanwhile, inside the shelter, the citizens, along with Zodek and Cindy, express their concerns.

Cindy: I can't believe that creature entered Sampostis! Isn't this place supposed to be heavily guarded?

Zodek: That's what I was thinking. I'm not sure how it even got in here.

Cindy: And what about Zodiac and Himitsu? Do you think they will be alright?

Zodek: Zodiac can manage himself, as can Himitsu. Mizuda and I trained them, after all.

Cindy: I just hope everyone comes out okay.

Zodek: They will. Until then, we must remain patient.

The scene shifts back to the news reporter in the helicopter, covering the ongoing battle.

News Reporter: This is your reporter speaking! Most citizens have evacuated to the shelter, but unfortunately, the threat is multiplying by the minute! Will the rank 1 and 2 crews be able to stop it before it's too late?!

The camera captures Zorren and Dr. Grozo on a rooftop, observing the crews struggle against the Minus Ones.

Zorren: Minus One is an incredible creature! Who knows what potential it has?

Dr. Grozo: It is impressive, President Zorren, but the teams are still struggling to neutralize it.

Zorren: What about you? Are you planning to tell them how to defeat it?

Dr. Grozo: (shaking his head) Of course not, sir! I simply don't want the entire district to be devastated.

Zorren: As I mentioned earlier, they should be capable of handling this. If they cannot, I will need to involve higher-ranking personnel.

Zorren feels a vibration on his Jump Watch and reads a notification.

Zorren: It appears that it is time for me to depart. I will be heading to my office.

He turns toward the elevator but pauses to address Dr. Grozo.

Zorren: And do not even think about instructing them on how to defeat Minus One. Allow them to solve it on their own. (laughs)

Dr. Grozo: Understood, sir, I will not.

Zorren enters the elevator, which closes behind him. Dr. Grozo begins speaking to himself.

Dr. Grozo: I'm sorry, President Zorren, but I can't just sit back and watch this chaos any longer!

He rushes to the helicopter.

Dr. Grozo: Take me to a nearby crew pilot! It's time I help out!

Pilot: Roger that, sir!

The pilot takes off as Lith and Kono continue battling the clones.

Kono: Lith! Behind you!

Lith turns and shoots at the clones, hitting one in the head, which falls to the ground.

Kono: Good shot!

Lith: Thanks… I guess.

Kono: I guess!?! I could have said nothing, and you could have gotten hit!

Lith: Yeah, but I didn't.

Minus One Clones: TROOOOO!!!

Kono sees a swarm of clones charging toward her.

Kono: Great!

Becan: I'M COMING IN HOT!!!

Kono: Huh?!

Kono looks up just as Becan leaps over her and lands in front of her.

Becan: AHHHHH!!

He conjures a massive fireball that erupts among the clones.

Becan: OH YEAHHHHH!!!

Kono: Thanks, Becan…

Becan: YEAH, DU—I mean lady. Wait, is that the right term?

Kono: Yeah, I guess it works.

Lith: Are you finished talking?

Becan: Yes! Wait, I just spoke, so no, but I am, but I'm not because I'm still talking? How do I stop when I'm talking?

Kono: You confuse me so much, Becan.

Becan: Is that a bad thing?

While they converse, Kono hears a helicopter approaching.

Kono: What is that? Do you hear that, Lith?

Lith: Yeah, it sounds like a helicopter.

Becan: Uhh—I don't hear anything?

Pilot: Sir, I have located three individuals.

Dr. Grozo: Set me down so I can talk to them.

Pilot: Understood.

The pilot lands, and Becan, Lith, and Kono shield their faces from the dust.

Lith: Is that Zorren?

Kono: I believe so!

Becan: Who is Zorren?

As the helicopter lands, Dr. Grozo steps out and sees Kono.

Kono: Dr. Grozo!?

Lith: What's he doing here?

Dr. Grozo approaches them.

Dr. Grozo: Kono, right?

Kono: Yes, I'm Kono!

Dr. Grozo turns to Lith and Becan.

Dr. Grozo: I need you to come with me. We need to talk; it's too noisy here.

Kono: Alright! Let's go, everyone!

Becan: WHAT ARE YOU SAYING? I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!

Lith: She said to follow her!

Becan: WHAT!?

Kono: Get in the helicopter!

Becan: WHAT!?!

Lith: OHH, I'M GOING TO LOSE MY PATIENCE WITH THIS GUY!!

Lith grabs Becan's hand as they all enter the helicopter and close the door.

Becan: OHHH!! You wanted me to get in the helicopter!

Lith: Yes, you idiot!

Becan: Then why didn't you just say that? (laughs)

Lith: AHHH!!!

Kono: Dr. Grozo, what are you doing here?

Dr. Grozo: Kono, listen closely. Minus One is not what you think it is.

Kono: What? Minus One? Who is that?

Dr. Grozo: The creature that has been causing chaos in Sampostis.

Lith and Becan turn to Dr. Grozo.

Lith: It has a name?

Becan: WAIT, I JUST THOUGHT OF SOMETHING!

Lith: OHHH GREAT, WHAT NOW!!

Becan: Hey, that's rude! It's like you don't want me to talk.

Lith: BECAUSE I DON'T!

Kono: Hey, don't be mean! Becan, what is it?

Becan: Hmm… Thank you, Kono. I was going to point out that if this entity has a name, it must have originated from somewhere.

Kono puts on a blank expression.

Kono: You must be joking, right?

Lith: AHHH, IDIOT!!! STUPID IDIOT!! IDIOT, IDIOT!!!

Dr. Grozo: (sarcastically) OHHH, Becan, you were always the brains of your crew.

Becan: Indeed, I always have been!

Kono: But Dr. Grozo, Becan isn't completely wrong. It must have come from somewhere; do you know where?

Dr. Grozo: Unfortunately, I do.

Lith stops her outburst at Becan.

Lith: Where did it come from?

Dr. Grozo: It c-c… (sighs) It came from Sampostis.

Everyone looks shocked.

Becan: Oh my gosh, everyone! Did you hear what he just said? HE SAID IT CAME FROM SAMPOSTIS!!!

Dr. Grozo: Yes, I created it.

Kono: YOU?!?

Lith: Wait, wait, wait! Are you saying you sent this thing down here to KILL ALL THESE PEOPLE?

Dr. Grozo: Y-yes, I did.

Kono: (Angrily) Please tell me you're lying, Doctor.

Dr. Grozo: I wish I could say otherwise, but I am responsible. I created Minus One to defend Sampostis, but Zor…

Dr. Grozo observes Kono as she struggles to hold back tears.

Dr. Grozo: But I lost control, and it got loose, destroying and killing people all around Sampostis… I'm sorry.

Becan: (Serious) So, what is your purpose here?

Lith: Becan?

Dr. Grozo looks at Becan as his flames intensify.

Becan: TALK! WHY ARE YOU HERE? WE COULD BE SAVING PEOPLE RIGHT NOW AND FIGHTING OFF THOSE THINGS, BUT WE'RE IN THIS DAMN HELICOPTER! SO TELL ME WHY YOU'RE HERE!

Kono: Becan…

Dr. Grozo: I-I'm here to tell you that there is a way to beat Minus One.

Lith: Tell us.

Dr. Grozo: When I was developing Minus One, I implanted a chip in its neck for self-destruction in case of emergencies, much like the situation we are in now.

Lith: So we find the real one and hit its neck?

Dr. Grozo: Yes, but also no.

Becan: You better hurry up before I burn you to a crisp!

Dr. Grozo: (Scared) Yes, you must strike its neck, but it is located deep within, and a mere punch or kick will not suffice; you require significant force to reach the chip.

Kono: That's it?

Dr. Grozo: Yes, but one more thing.

Kono: What?

Dr. Grozo: If you strike the chip again while it is self-destructing, it will cease the process, but the second strike will not require as much force as the first.

Kono: And why would I want to hit it again?

Dr. Grozo: Z-Zorren said that I needed to keep it alive.

Kono approaches Dr. Grozo.

Dr. Grozo: Uhh…

Kono: I am only doing this because my brother asked.

Kono looks at Becan and Lith.

Kono: Let's go.

Dr. Grozo: Kono!?

Kono turns back.

Dr. Grozo: I just want you to know that I didn't mean for any of this to happen.

Kono: Yeah… whatever. Just remember, when this is over, I'm putting you behind bars.

Dr. Grozo lowers his head.

Pilot: Umm… Sir.

Dr. Grozo: Uhh—Yes!

Pilot: There are bright lights that appear to be engaging a clone.

Dr. Grozo: What?

Kono: Lights!

Kono, Lith, and Becan quickly approach the front of the helicopter.

Pilot: HEY! All of you can't be up here!

Kono, Lith, and Becan: IT'S ZODIAC AND DARU!!

The scene transitions to Himitsu, Yoshi, Junko, and Kora.

Kora: (Glancing at Himitsu) Can you stop staring at me!?

Himitsu: (Drooling) Huhhhhhhhhh?

Yoshi shakes his head in disapproval.

Yoshi: What's wrong with you? Can you just act normal?

Junko: He's been staring at you the entire time.

Kora: Yeah, I know. It's because I kissed him on the cheek during the Newbie Event.

Junko: What, really!? Does that mean you like him?

Kora: (Panicking) No, no, no! Don't get it twisted! I would never like someone like him!

Junko: So why did you kiss him?

Kora: W-well, it's because uhhhhh…

Yoshi: Can we stop this? There are creatures out there destroying everything, and we're just standing here talking.

Himitsu continues to stare at Kora, drooling silently.

Junko: You're right, Yoshi. We need to move!

Kora: About that. It seems these clones can't be killed.

Yoshi: We heard from the others. They can regenerate their body parts without issue.

Kora: Tch. All I wanted was some beauty sleep, and now this—

Kora is interrupted by a loud explosion in the distance, startling Himitsu.

Himitsu: What was that?

Yoshi: I don't know, but we need to check it out!

Junko: What are we waiting for? Let's go!

Junko and the others head toward the explosion, running as fast as they can. After a few minutes, they see Kono, Lith, and Becan engaged in combat with the clones, while Zodiac and Daru battle the Real Minus One.

Himitsu: Kono!

Kono and the others turn to see Himitsu and the rest.

Kono: Himitsu!

Lith: You all made it!

Junko: We finally made it, Lith!

Kono: Is that Kora?

Kora: Yes, the one and only.

Becan: Oh hey, Kora! Nice to see you again!

Kora: Oh great, it's you…

Becan: What? Did I do something wrong?

A clone rushes at Becan, preparing to attack, but Becan grabs its arm and punches it in the stomach, sending it flying to the ground.

Becan: Now that was a nice punch!

Kono: Look, we don't have much time to chat, but we figured out how to stop Minus One!

Kora: Minus what now?

Himitsu: Who is that?

Lith: It's all these clones, you idiot!

Himitsu: Oh, I see.

Himitsu glances back and notices Zodiac and Daru engaged in combat with the true enemy.

Himitsu: That's Zodiac and Daru!

Yoshi: So they are here as well.

Kono: Yeah, but we can't get close to them because of these clones. We need to get past them to tell them about the weakness.

Kora: Very well, why don't you start by sharing that information with us?

Kono: Right!

As the battle continues, Kono explains the weakness. Meanwhile, Lance and Iris are struggling against the clones.

Lance: This is getting annoying! Why won't they stay down?

Iris: I don't know, brother. They just keep coming back!

Suddenly, they notice white light arrows descending from the sky, eliciting smiles from them.

Lance: I know exactly who that is!

Iris: It's Zodiac!

Lance: Well then, sis, I think it's time to pay him a visit.

Iris: I think so too, big brother.

Lance and Iris ascend into the air using their powers, while the others continue to battle the clones.

Kono: Come on, everyone, we can do this!

Lith: Just a few more clones, and then we'll be able to reach them.

Yoshi: We can't afford to slow down now! Keep pushing!

Himitsu: We're on our way, Zodiac and Daru!

After a few moments, Junko senses something approaching.

Junko: Everyone, watch out!

They observe a gravity ball hurtling toward them and step back. The gravity ball begins to absorb the clones, and a blue beam strikes it, causing it to explode and send the clones flying in various directions. Lance and Iris land dramatically.

Kora: It's Lance and Iris!

Himitsu: What! Again!?

Lance: So this is where the peasants are fighting.

Becan: Oh, it's you guys from the Event!

Yoshi: (Sigh) I guess we don't have to worry about the clones now.

Iris scans the area and spots Zodiac and Daru.

Iris: There he is!

Lance: Let's go make our—

Lith: Hold on! What are you doing?

Lance: What?

Lith: You're going to charge in without knowing the weakness?

Lance: Why should I?

Iris: All we care about is finding Zodiac to teach him a lesson.

Junko: (Shakes head) Oh, not this again…

Himitsu: Okay, but now's not the time! We need to help Zodiac and Daru take down Minus One!

Iris: Minus who now?

Kono: That's the creature's name.

Iris: But I don't care about that thing. All I want is—

Yoshi: Can you stop being foolish for once and help us take it out?

Iris: What! How dare you speak to me like that!

Lance: I'll make you regret—

Minus One: CURSE YOU!

Everyone turns to see Zodiac and Daru struggling against Minus One.

Kono: There's no time to argue; let's go!

They rush toward Zodiac and Daru, who are both out of breath. They both turn around to see everyone run toward them.

Daru: Is that everyone?

Zodiac: They finally made it.

Kono: We're here, everyone!

Himitsu: Zodiac! Daru!

Daru spots Becan and approaches him.

Daru: Becan?

Becan: It has been a long time, my fiery friend!

Zodiac notices Lance and Iris approaching.

Zodiac: You've got to be kidding me…

Lance: There you are, Zodiac!

Iris: I'm going to make you pay for what you did to me!

Kono: Anyway, we figured out a way to beat Minus One!

Daru: Minus One?

Zodiac: She's probably referring to the creature's name.

Daru: Okay, how do we beat it?

Lith: There is a small chip located in the middle of its neck that we need to strike to bring it down.

Minus One: So, you have finally figured it out.

Daru: What?

Minus One: I guess it's time to kill you all before I let that happen.

Zodiac: What do you mean by that?

Minus One begins to emit a chilling scream, summoning all the clones to him.

Minus One: Trrooo, trrroooo, TRRROOOOOO!

All the clones cease fighting and rush toward Minus One. Sai, Mako, and Koda observe in confusion as the clones abandon them.

Mako: What is happening?

Sai: They're fleeing!

Koda: Well, let's go after them!

Reiji: Hey, Souta!

Reiji turns to his right and sees Souta chasing after the clones.

Reiji: Uhh— Hey, don't just leave me!

Reiji and Souta sprint after the fleeing clones. Everyone else follows, arriving at the scene where everyone is gathered.

Sai: There's everyone!

Sai and the others join them, watching as the clone morphs into Minus One, growing larger.

Mako: What the hell is happening?

Reiji: Woah! Everyone's here!

Souta: Oh thank God, Daru is okay. I was so worried!

Reiji: Huh?

Souta: (Nervous and shy) It's nothing!

Becan: It appears to be morphing!

Daru: Everyone, prepare yourselves!

Zodiac: This will be our final battle.

As all the clones merge into Minus One's body, it becomes massive, towering over everyone with a deeper voice.

Minus One: It's time to go negative!