Zataria’s Last Light

As all the clones entered Minus One's body, he loomed massive and towering over everyone, his voice deep and resonant.

Minus One: It is time to go NEGATIVE!

Minus One begins to shake violently as his body turns red, his eyes glowing the same color. A news reporter hovers above Minus One and the others.

News Reporter: Whoa! Minus One is red now, and he looks much larger than before!

Still shaking, Minus One gazes into the sky and spots the helicopter, smiling.

News Reporter: (Scared) I-Is he looking at us?

Minus One opens his mouth and shoots a red beam at the helicopter, striking the propellers, which ignite and send it spinning out of control toward the ground.

News Reporter: Ahhh!!

Pilot: WE'RE GOING DOWN! BRACE FOR IMPACT!

As the helicopter plummets, the news reporter and pilot close their eyes, bracing for the crash. After a few seconds, they feel nothing and slowly open their eyes, realizing they are barely touching the ground.

News Reporter: W-Were ALIVE!

Pilot: Sir, look! (Points).

The news reporter follows the pilot's gesture and sees Iris above them, holding the helicopter with her psychic powers.

Iris: You guys alright?

News Reporter: Uhh… Yes! We're okay.

Pilot: Thank you! Thank you so much!

Iris: Yeah, yeah, just be quiet.

Iris looks down at Lance.

Iris: You ready!?

Lance: I was born ready!

Iris throws the helicopter toward Lance and pulls the pilot and the news reporter out. Lance summons a gravity ball and catches the helicopter within it.

Becan: THAT'S SO COOL!

Lance turns to Minus One.

Lance: EAT THIS!

He hurls the helicopter at Minus One, who transforms his hand into an axe, splitting the helicopter in half.

Koda: Great! He can now turn his arm into an axe?

Zodiac: At this point, I'm not surprised.

Daru: He's still learning about his powers.

Sai: This won't be easy.

Lith: We need to stop this entity before it learns more about itself.

Kono: Yes, and quickly!

Iris flies past the group toward Minus One.

Iris: I'll finish this! Just stay out of my way!

Lance: Go, sis! Show that thing what you can do!

Junko & Zodiac: NO, DON'T RUSH IN!

Iris: I said I will finish th—

As Iris approaches, Minus One grabs her neck before she can attack.

Lance: IRIS, NO!

Zodiac: (Shaking his head) I told you not to rush in, you idiot.

Minus One: You should have listened to your friends…

Iris: (Choking) L-l-let go of me!

Lance yells and charges at Minus One.

Lance: LET GO OF MY SISTER, YOU UGLY RED BASTARD!!

Zodiac: Are these guys stupid?!?

Minus One looks at Lance and summons ten clones.

Lance: Ughh! What the hell!

Yoshi: This creature can summon ten clones!

Mako: Well, I'm not just standing here!

Mako charges in to assist Lance in battling the clones.

Koda: I'm with you!

Koda claps his hands together and summons six clones, running toward the conflict.

Becan: HEY!! NO ONE IS LEAVING BECAN BEHIND!!

Becan ignites his fire and joins the fight. Gram awakens and sees Kono beside him.

Gram: K-Kono?

Kono: GRAM! YOU'RE AWAKE!!

Gram: What's happening?

Kono: A lot! We could use your help!

Gram: You need my help?!?

Kono: The more hands we have, the better!

Gram jumps up, puffing out his chest.

Gram: YOU'RE RIGHT! YOU NEED MY HELP! GRAM THE GREAT IS HERE, DO NOT FEAR!!

Kono: (Blank expression) I shouldn't have said anything…

Daru: Hey, Gram! Quit yapping and start hitting Minus One.

Gram looks at the towering, red Minus One.

Gram: (Fearful) T-t-that's Minus One?

Zodiac: Yes, now be quiet and start attacking.

Gram: W-WHAT? I CAN'T DO THAT! HE'S HUGE! MY ATTACKS WON'T AFFECT HIM!!

Daru: (Smirking) Exactly.

Gram: What?

While the others engage with the clones to reach Iris, Minus One summons even more.

Minus One: THAT'S IT!

Iris: Y-you're not going to get away with this.

Minus One: Hmm…

Iris: You're not, because we are putting you back in that cage where you belong!

Minus One: (Laughs) I THINK I'LL KILL YOU NOW!

Minus One lunges to bite Iris.

Gram: (Terrified) HOW IS THIS SMART AT ALL!!!

Daru: Don't worry, just hold on.

Reiji glances back, seeing Daru holding Gram up with one arm, preparing to throw him at Minus One.

Gram: NO!! I'VE CHANGED MY MIND! I CAN'T DO THIS!!

Daru: HERE WE GO!!

Gram: NO, DARU, STOP!!! STOPPPPP!!!

Daru runs and throws Gram into the sky, propelling him toward Minus One.

Gram: AHHHAHAHAHHAHAHAH!!!!! IT'S ALWAYS ME!!!

Gram pulls out his book and begins casting fireballs, hurling them at Minus One.

Minus One: Uhh… What is happening?

Gram: AHHHH!!

Iris: What the—

Gram: AHHH!! DIEE!!!

Himitsu: YES, GRAM!!!!

Minus One: AHHH!!

Minus One throws Iris to the ground and transforms his arm into an axe, swinging it at Gram.

Gram: AHHH!!! I'M GOING TO DIE!!!

As Minus One prepares to strike, Zodiac utilizes sudoshi to catch him, dodging as Minus One slams into the ground.

Minus One: Uahh!!

Minus One looks up, spotting a purple beam pulsing in the distance.

Minus One: Huh?

Daru: Open WIDE!!

Daru blasts his beam at Minus One's neck, making impact.

Minus One: AHHHHH!!!

Daru: GOTCHA!

The clones fall as everyone ceases fighting.

Gram: W-w-we did it!!

Becan: (Sad) Done already? I was just getting warmed up.

Kora: I suppose we were too much for this so-called Minus One.

Everyone begins cheering, but Junko appears frightened, which Souta notices.

Souta: What's wrong, Junko? Are you okay?

Junko points to where Minus One was hit.

Junko: H-h-he's not dead.

Everyone stops cheering as they sense a massive aura.

Zodiac: I knew it couldn't have been that easy.

Gram: (Scared) Damnit!! Then how do we defeat this thing?

Daru: I'm certain I hit its neck; there's no way.

Minus One begins to rise as everyone watches. He shakes, becoming smaller than before.

Minus One: Ahhh!! Now that feels better.

Kora: He got shorter?

Sai: Yes, but he appears much stronger than before.

Minus One: Stronger is an understatement!

Minus One employs sudoshi, appearing near Sai, and throws a punch. Sai attempts to phase away but is struck in the face, sending him flying into a building.

Lith & Junko: SAI!!!

Zodiac: (Shocked) He used my move!

Reiji: WHY YOU!! AHHH!

Reiji charges his fist and aims to punch Minus One.

Minus One catches his fist, turning it jet red as it pulses, then punches Reiji in the face, sending him crashing to the ground.

Daru: (Shocked) He used my move as well!

Becan: WOAH!! THIS DUDE IS CRAZY!!

Himitsu: That's it; we need to k—

Before Himitsu can finish, Minus One appears right in front of him, preparing to punch.

Himitsu: Uh.

Daru rushes to Himitsu, trying to reach him before Minus One strikes. Just as Minus One is about to punch Himitsu, something flies past his face, prompting him to dodge. Daru and Himitsu are taken aback.

Minus One: (Laughs) You really don't know when to give up, do you?

Daru and Himitsu observe the object that has been thrown; it is a nunchaku. Daru smiles as Ohma appears, panting, with blood still visible on his face and arms.

Ohma: (in a serious tone) I told you I won't allow you to kill anyone else.

Mako: He's alive?

Koda: That's one hell of a warrior!

Minus One jumps back as Ohma charges at him, nunchaku in hand, swinging it fiercely as they engage in a clash, exchanging blows.

Ohma: YOU WON'T HURT ANYONE ANYMORE!!!

Minus One: YOUR DEATH WILL MEAN NOTHING TO ANYONE.

Himitsu throws his spear at Minus One. He notices it and jumps back, creating distance between them.

Himitsu: You're wrong! We all care!

The group gathers, standing side by side as Sai and Reiji rise to join them. They shake their heads and crack their knuckles, preparing for the final confrontation.

Sai: That's the last time I'm getting punched in the face.

Minus One smiles and summons ten clones.

Minus One: Now it appears that you are all ready to meet your end!

Kono: I would rather die fighting than not fight at all!

Minus One: Hmm…

Lith: She's right! This is our home, and I'll be damned if I do nothing to protect the only thing that saved me.

Kono & Lith: We are The Order of Triumph. We protect, we serve, AND BRING PEACE TO LIFE AND DEATH!

Minus One: LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!

Everyone: AHHHHH!!!

They charge at him as Minus One and his clones do the same! Meanwhile, Zorren sits in his office, watching the battle unfold on a TV screen alongside Duviri.

Zorren: Hah! Look at all these crews struggling against Minus One!

Duviri: Minus One is definitely a strange creature created by Dr. Grozo. If they don't figure out its weakness, they'll be in a lot more trouble.

Zorren: This shows just how much potential Minus One really has.

Duviri: Don't you think you should at least inform them of Minus One's weakness? We cannot predict how long this fight will last.

Zorren: (smirking) Nonsense! Let them figure it out for themselves. I want to see how much Minus One can evolve. Now, go make yourself useful and bring me something to eat.

Duviri: As you wish, sir.

Duviri turns and heads toward the front door, shaking her head.

Duviri: (talking to herself) This won't end well…

The scene shifts back to the confrontation between the crews and Minus One along with his clones. Junko detects a clone advancing toward Himitsu from the side and promptly warns him.

Junko: Himitsu, to your right!

Himitsu swiftly turns and spots the clone, stabbing it in the chest with his spear.

Himitsu: Well done, Junko!

The clone smiles, remaining unharmed.

Himitsu: Huh?! How are you still alive?!

After a brief moment, Sai rushes toward Himitsu, phasing through the clone and decapitating it.

Sai: There you go, happy now?

Himitsu: Y-yeah, thanks.

Junko, Sai, and Himitsu observe as the clone crumbles and dissipates.

Himitsu: Wait, the clones can die now?!

Sai: Yes, it seems so, but they appear to be significantly stronger than before.

Meanwhile, Daru, Zodiac, and the others engage Minus One in battle. Daru employs his pulsing fists while Zodiac wields his light scythe. Daru throws a punch at Minus One, who blocks it with his arm. Zodiac swings at Minus One's neck, making contact and slightly revealing the chip beneath. In response, Minus One swiftly kicks Zodiac in the stomach, pushing him back, then delivers a punch to Daru, who is forced to block with his arms. Daru is driven back several feet when Lance rushes in, launching multiple gravity balls from his gauntlets at Minus One, who effortlessly flicks them away.

Lance: I'm going to make you pay!

Lance sends one final gravity ball over Minus One's head, causing it to explode and create a significant pressure aura around them.

Minus One: What the hell is this!?

Lance intensifies the pressure with his gauntlets as Minus One struggles to maintain his footing.

Lance: Why don't you kneel before me!

Minus One begins to chuckle.

Minus One: You will need to try harder than that!

With a powerful yell, Minus One shatters Lance's gravity aura.

Lance: What!?

Minus One uses sudoshi to appear directly in front of Lance, seizing his face and slamming him to the ground, resulting in a substantial crack as Lance's face begins to bleed.

Reiji: Lance! Don't worry, I'm coming!

Reiji turns both arms to stone and charges toward Minus One.

Minus One: So you wish to join the fray as well?

Minus One lifts Lance and hurls him toward Reiji, catching him off guard.

Reiji: Wait, wait, wait!

Reiji is struck by Lance, causing both of them to fall. Yoshi, visibly annoyed, picks up a metal pipe and infuses it with his wind powers.

Yoshi: I'm going to ensure you stay down.

Yoshi takes his pipe, assumes a javelin-throwing stance, and launches it toward Minus One, generating a powerful gust of wind. Minus One detects the incoming projectile, turns its head, and smiles as it catches the pipe with its teeth, biting down on it.

Yoshi: Really…

Minus One spits the pipe onto the ground and approaches a large truck. It lifts the truck and throws it at Yoshi, but Becan intervenes, punching it away and causing the truck to explode.

Becan: Now that was a close call, DUDE!!!

Yoshi: I could have managed that myself, thank you, and I'm not your "dude."

Becan: Of course you are; you're a guy… wait, you are a guy, right?

Kono and Lith are shooting at the clones while observing the struggle against Minus One.

Lith: We haven't made any progress!

Kono: Minus One is incredibly strong now!

Lith: We need a strategic plan to take it down. Everyone is acting independently.

Kono: Right. Perhaps if we divide our efforts and assume different roles, it might prove beneficial.

Junko: That sounds like an excellent idea!

Kono and Lith turn to see Junko.

Kono: Junko!

Lith: Since you're here, I'll outline the plan. Minus One's only weakness is the chip in its neck. We need a sufficiently strong attack to pierce it, as Dr. Grozo indicated, but we must first create a solid opening.

Kono: So what are you thinking?

Lith: Here's my plan: Junko, Kora, and Gram will provide support. Yoshi, Zodiac, Kono, Iris, and I will target the chip in its neck, while Daru, Reiji, Becan, Ohma, and Lance will protect us from Minus One's attacks. Himitsu, Sai, Mako, Souta, and Koda will serve as decoys, handling the clones and distracting Minus One during our assault. Does that sound agreeable?

Kono: (Surprised) Wow, Lith, I didn't know you could come up with such a good plan.

Lith: Huh!? What does that mean!?

Junko: Well, Lith is our leader, after all. But how are we going to communicate this to everyone else without risking our safety?

Lith: We can use our Jump Watches, you dummy.

Junko: Oh right! We can send a distress call to any nearby crews with a Jump Watch!

Kono: I completely overlooked that.

Lith: Then let's inform everyone of the plan!

As everyone continues to fend off Minus One and the clones, their Jump Watches vibrate, indicating a distress call.

Kora: What the heck?

Souta: Who is this?

Distress Call Lith: Don't worry, it's me.

Gram: Whoa, who is this? She's attractive.

Lith: What!? Eww, it's Lith!

Gram: Lith?

Zodiac: What does she want now?

Distress Call Lith: Listen, we don't have much time, so pay close attention.

Lith quickly explains the plan to everyone on the Jump Watch.

Daru: So that's what you want us to do?

Distress Call Lith: Yes. If we can execute a strong enough attack to hit the chip in its neck without interruption, we can take it down.

Meanwhile, Reiji engages in combat with Minus One, blocking its punches as his stone arms begin to crack. Minus One charges up a more powerful punch, its fist glowing red, and delivers it to Reiji's stomach, causing him to spit blood and crash to the ground, leaving a trail behind.

Minus One: Come on now. Is that all you've got?

Lance turns to Daru.

Lance: Are you going to stand there or help?

Daru: (Looking back at Lance) Why don't you calm down, gravity guy?

Lance: I can't calm down with that nasty-looking beast on our backs!

Daru crosses his arms and approaches Lance.

Daru: Well, let's get this over with.

Reiji rises and approaches Daru and Lance, wiping blood from his mouth.

Reiji: Man, that thing is tough!

Daru chuckles.

Daru: I'm surprised you're still standing after that attack.

Reiji: (Laughing) It's going to take a lot more than that to take me down!

Daru cracks his hands and neck.

Daru: (Smiling) Now let's see what this guy can do to me.

Meanwhile, Yoshi, Zodiac, Lith, Kono, Ohma, Becan, and Iris form a group.

Zodiac: So it looks like our job is to take it down by hitting its chip?

Lith: Yes, that is correct.

Kono: Exactly, by combining our powers!

Becan looks confused.

Becan: Ugh, yeah, that sounds like a great plan! Wait, what was your name again? (Looking at Zodiac)

Zodiac: It's Zodiac…

Becan: Zodi what?

Zodiac: Zodiac, you fool!

Becan: Zodiac! Whoa, did your parents name you after the Zodiac signs?

Zodiac: Why are we still talking about this?

Becan: Well, I thought we could catch u—

Yoshi: Becan!

Becan turns to Yoshi, who looks displeased.

Becan: Whoa dude, you look mad! Did I make you mad? I'm really sorry! Is "sorry" the right word for this situation?!

Lith: OH MY GOD!!! WAIT, why are you here? You're supposed to be with Daru!

Becan: Dude… you don't have to yell; I'm heading there right now.

Yoshi shakes his head.

Yoshi: I hate this team so much…

Zodiac: Yeah, tell me about it…

Iris grows serious as she observes Lance up front with Daru and Reiji.

Iris: We're taking this down here and now!

Mako, Himitsu, Sai, Souta, and Koda form a group. Mako turns to Himitsu.

Mako: Hey, Himitsu.

Himitsu: (Grumbling) Why does Gram get to team up with Kora? It's not fair!

Mako: Uhh… Himitsu?

Himitsu turns to face Mako.

Himitsu: Huh? What is it, Mako?

Mako: Be honest with me. Do you think we're going to die?

Sai: Why are you asking him?

Mako: I'm just curious.

Sai: (Laughs) No, we're not going to die, you idiot.

Himitsu: Yeah, he's right, Mako. We're not going to die.

Koda: If I die today, it means it was my time to go.

Souta: You guys are weird talking about death.

The scene shifts to Gram conversing with Kora and Junko.

Gram: Man, why do I have to stay in the back?

Junko: Hmm?

Kora: I don't get why you're complaining. Do you want to be up front fighting them head-on?

Gram: Come to think of it, never mind. (Scratches his head.)

Meanwhile, Daru, Lance, and Reiji are engaged in battle with Minus One.

Minus One: YOU CAN'T WIN!!!

Lance: Why don't you shut up, red breath!!

Reiji: (Laughs) Good one!

Daru: STOP TALKING AND REMAIN FOCUSED!

Lance: STOP TELLING ME WHAT TO DO!

Lance lunges at Minus One. As Minus One swings at him, Ohma intervenes to block the attack.

Minus One: AHHH! YOU AGAIN!!

Minus One is struck by a fireball from Becan, who is in the sky.

Becan: YEAH, DUDE!!! THAT WAS A GOOD HIT!! (LAUGHS)

Minus One: YOU THINK THAT'S FUNNY? I'LL SHOW YOU FUNNY.

Minus One prepares to use sudoshi when Reiji grabs him from behind.

Minus One: AHH! WHAT THE HELL!

Reiji: YOU'RE NOT ESCAPING!

Reiji's arms turn to stone as he grips tighter.

Minus One: LET GO OF ME!

Minus One uses sudoshi, reappearing behind Reiji.

Daru: OH NO YOU DON'T!

Daru seizes Minus One's right arm.

Minus One: WHAT?

Lance seizes his left arm.

Lance: DIE, BASTARD!!!

Daru: DO IT!!

Minus One sees Zodiac, Lith, Kono, Iris, and Yoshi charging their attacks in front of him. Zodiac transforms his weapon into a light bow, aiming at Minus One's neck.

Minus One: UHHH!!

Kono: Everyone, fire!

They unleash a powerful attack toward Minus One's neck, revealing the chip but only removing the skin.

Minus One: Better luck next time!

Lith: Dammit, we almost had it!

Minus One breaks free from Daru, Reiji, and Lance, sending them all flying back.

Zodiac: We're going to need another opening!

Lith notices Minus One's neck starting to heal.

Lith: We need to find a way to remove the skin from his neck!

The focus returns to Himitsu, Souta, Mako, and Sai battling the clones.

Sai: There are so many of them!

Mako: KEEP PUSHING! WE CAN'T LET THEM GET PAST US!

Koda: THEY WILL NOT PASS!!

Souta jumps on the clones' heads, making them pop.

Souta: DISGUSTING CREATURE!

Himitsu: YEAH, SOUTA!! KEEP IT GOING!

Himitsu spots a clone running past them and chases after it.

Himitsu: NO, YOU DON'T!

Himitsu runs and throws his spear at the clone, shattering it into pieces.

Himitsu: No getting past me.

The scene shifts back to Gram, Junko, and Kora, where Gram is running from a clone.

Gram: AHHH!! GET AWAY, GET AWAY!!

Gram trips over a rock, and the clone falls on top of him. He pulls out his book and casts an ice spear, piercing the clone's chest and causing it to crumble.

Gram: Whew! That was close!

Junko: Keep your eyes sharp, Gram!

Gram: (sarcastically) Oh sure! I'll just make sure to have EYES IN THE BACK OF MY HEAD!

Gram and Junko receive a vibration on their jump watches.

Junko: Who's this?

Gram: Huh?

They answer the call, and it's Lith.

Lith: Gram, Junko!

Junko: What's going on, Lith?

Gram: Lith?

Lith: I think I have an idea, but you're not going to like it.

Junko: Okay! What's the plan?

Gram: Aww man!

The scene shifts to Kora in her fairy form, soaring through the air and attacking Minus One and the clones.

Kora: DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE!

Junko: Reiji, on your left!

Reiji dodges to his right as Minus One shoots a blast toward him.

Reiji: Thank you!

Junko: Kora! You're up six!

Kora skillfully dodges in mid-air as one of the clones attempts to strike her.

Kora: YOU DARE STRIKE THE BEAUTIFUL FAIRY QUEEN! NOW YOU MUST DIE!

Kora unleashes a powerful blast, obliterating the clone.

Kora: (turning to Junko) THANK YOU!

Minus One, growing increasingly frustrated, takes note of Junko's protective actions.

Minus One: YOU!

Ohma: HE'S GOING AFTER JUNKO!

Minus One employs sudoshi, appearing directly in front of Junko.

Daru: NO, JUNKO, WATCH OUT!!

Junko: Uhhh…