Third Person
With his mind being everywhere but watching where he was going, Ace nearly ran into the wall before Diamond pulled him back from the cape.

Though he choked, Ace quickly shook it off and gave a thumbs up to him. Chester had told him that meant 'Good job' and Diamond seemed to appreciate it.

Taking a moment to catch his breath, he faced the newcomer, who was currently looking everywhere but at any of them. Clubs waved his hand in front of his face, making him jump and step back.

Like the rest of them, he had blue eyes and hair, though his hair was quite messy, as if he had just woken up and hadn't done anything to it. It was short, much like Diamond's, and he was wearing a yellow sweater and a pair of what looked like light gray sweatpants. Ace couldn't help but notice that he did have the slight difference of electric blue freckles on his face.

He seemed to fidget under all three of their gazes but didn't say a word. Ace could sense fear radiating off of him, so he eventually found the will to clear his throat and speak.

"And you are..?" Ace asked, eyebrows raising uncertainty. It never occurred to him that there would be another one of them. At least, it sure didn't feel like it. But now, looking at the fourth, a part of him felt like he knew him. He didn't understand how or why but then again, Ace could hardly understand half the things that happened, or why they were the way they were.

The fourth hesitated, and in that second of hesitation, Clubs decided to speak for him. "Hearts! He's Hearts! I knew it! I knew there was another- I told you!" A laugh escaped him as he slung his arm around Diamond, cracking a smile.

Diamond just laughed with him, leaning into his touch. "You did call it, I will give you that."

"Call what?" The ringleader cut in, arching his eyebrows at them. He gestured wildly towards 'Hearts' as Clubs had called him. "Did you know about this? About him? Why didn't you say anything?"

"It was technically just a theory at first." Diamond said quickly. He glanced at Hearts and back before taking a breath. "Clubs pointed out that three was an uneven number, and if Clubs and I parallel each other, then maybe you had an other half as well. Two sides of the same coin, if you will." His eyes kept drifting over to Hearts until he was flat out staring at him. "We're only actually confirming that theory and meeting him now. We weren't sure if you really needed to know about a theory-!"

"I did!" Ace cut in, narrowing his eyes. "When it means something as big as a whole other being, it matters, okay?" The pair looked away, guiltily and Ace sighed. He rubbed his head, trying to ignore the throbbing pain. "I'm not mad- not really anyways," he clarified for the pair. "Just... Just been a long day. At least we all know now. We have some extra firepower n-!"

"NO!"

Hearts sudden voice made them all jump, wide eyed. Hearts' breaths were uneven but he swallowed and quickly shook his head. "I'm... I'm not fighting. I don't want to..."

Ace, Clubs and Diamond all exchanged a look before Ace stepped forward. "You two go on ahead. I need a moment to talk with him."

The pair nodded, grabbed onto each other's hand and ran ahead. Ace watched them go. A long breath escaped him and he looked to Hearts again, who was picking at a loose string on his sweater.

"Hearts..." Ace trailed off, trying to think of what he wanted to say. He didn't think there was any part of him who would act like... Like Hearts was but clearly, he was wrong. "I don't think you understand what happens if we don't fight."

"No, I... I do." Hearts nodded slowly. "I know everything you do. I have your thoughts, your memories, everything. Which is exactly... Which is exactly why I don't want to fight."

Ace couldn't understand it. Hearts had everything he was- all the experiences and thoughts and everything- but he was different. Almost like his opposite. How could he stand there and say that knowing the consequences?

He couldn't help it. He started to heat up, his face burning. "No! No, you don't understand! Everything I've done is so we can live! So we can breathe! Be human!"

"We're hurting people!" Hearts wailed. His eyes squeezed shut and he shuttered. "I know you feel it too- it's wrong, Ace! We can't keep doing this!"

"If we stop, we die!" Ace argued.

"THEN LET US DIE!" Hearts screamed with every will of his being. His statement left Ace breathless, and frankly? Scared. Not of Hearts, not of his statement but more like... Like a fear that had always been there. A fear that if they really did keep going, Ace wouldn't die, but become something worse.

He wondered if that's what Hearts felt all the time. Ace wondered that if his very core of his being was the nightmares of being torn apart, that Hearts' was... That.

They were both silent for a moment. Hearts was waiting for a response to break the silence and Ace couldn't seem to give him one. Fear just consumed his mind instead. All until Hearts spoke again.

"I'm just... I'm just so tired. Of hurting people. Of getting hurt. I..." Hearts swallowed and rubbed his misty eyes. "I know you are too. And that Clubs and-and Diamond... We all know. Don't we?" His eyes trailed to his cape, then then to his pocket. "And I think... I think we all know what's going to happen. Otherwise you wouldn't have-..."

Ace slipped his hand into his pocket. "It's just an insurance." He said out loud. It then occurred to Ace that he didn't even believe himself. "It's not... It's..."

Hearts gave him a sad look and Ace stopped trying. They knew better. They both knew better than that, and they both knew what they were talking about.

Ace took it out, examined it, then slipped it back into his pocket. He didn't want to think about it, but it felt like he couldn't stop. His mind just buzzed until he shook his head.

"You don't understand. Not really." Ace told him. "You haven't felt what it's like to be as alive as I am. I can't let this go."

Hearts gave him another look. "Yeah... I was afraid you'd say that. And I don't think I can change your mind."

"Just like I can't change yours." Ace huffed. He was beginning to hear voices from his opponents getting closer. Time was running out. "It was nice meeting you, but if you're not going to fight then, well... I think you know."

Hearts nodded again. "I do. It was good talking to you face to face. And thank you."

Ace held out his hand and Hearts took it. The fourth closed his eyes and his whole body wavered before it disappeared, and Ace felt the energy return to his body. He groaned and held his head as another wave a pain swept through him.

Ace knew that his options were limited now. His Pulse was destroyed and the power had been split in too many ways for Ace to recover much from his portion of it that came back to him. He hadn't thought of what to do after that had failed.

However, he could still have an advantage if he used the element of surprise. He still had a few tricks up his sleeve.

————

It happened so fast that Cody has to replay all of it in his mind just to process it.

He focuses on the details. The little ones that likely don't matter and he knows this but he remembers them anyways. He searches for a sign that he should've seen this coming, and he should've made a better choice, and now he's afraid. His closed fist trembles with the fear that could become reality, and how he can do nothing about it.

He remembers hearing voices up ahead as they approach the direction where Ace ran. All distant and he doesn't remember what's said but he hears yelling at one point. He remembers shivering but how it wasn't cold. Not cold enough for him to notice anyways.

He remembers Sam talking to him. At the time, he was fully engaged in the conversation but now, for the life of him, he can't remember what it was about. He does, however, remember that Sam was smiling through it. How badly he wanted to hold her hand but his body couldn't seem to reach out and grab for it.

Pikalus and Cannibal were behind him- he remembers that too. Cannibal kept looking behind them, worried for KrakenKid and Pikalus started talking to him. How he told him that KrakenKid was much too stubborn to die, and that Tanith was just as stubborn to not let him if he got close. Cody's pretty sure Cannibal laughed at that and he gave a little punch in Pikalus' shoulder saying something about how they were a handful. Pikalus have a smile and told him that he had no idea.

Selena and Blooper were in the back. Cody remembers how he made sure they were as they grew closer. He remembers how Blooper was getting Selena to laugh, even if she kept telling him it wasn't the time for jokes. He remembers, as they laugh, that they're still kids. How young they are, how much they have ahead of them.

Cody remembers how much everyone means to him, even if he was fighting some of them not too long ago. Cody feels himself become a shield as he strides in the front of the group.

He remembers, as they get closer to an opening, that Sam changes. One moment, she seems to be smiling with her eyes, and then she's hostile. His attention snaps ahead of him where Ace has suddenly revealed himself to be and he takes aim.

When he fires a powerful bolt of Nexus Energy at them, Cody remembers how it was just like what they say: Everything seemed to happen in slow motion.

It hit the king all at once, but one thing stuck out at him. It was just like before, but then, Tanith had taken the hit.

He remembers the aftermath of that, with everyone screaming and Cody was certain that KrakenKid cried, even if he tried to hide it. How he heard him mumble, 'Like a cornered animal' over and over to himself until he calmed down. How Sam had a guilty look on her face, like she was relieved for a moment that it wasn't Cody but then, a moment of realization of what this meant for Tanith.

Cody remembers so much in just a small moment.

Tanith might've lived, but she was the only one of them that had healing abilities, and even then, she had suffered.

Names repeated in his head. Sam, Pikalus, CannibalCrab, Selena, Blooper.

And he decided that like hell he was going to let them get hurt.

Some of them had noticed Ace too late, meaning they had no room to dodge. Cody had to act, fast.

He stepped in the direct line of fire and was blow away like it was a cannon. He crashed into Pikalus and everything sped back up.

Selena screamed. Cannibal shot his Atlantean Pistol at Ace but he was quick to dodge and disappear from sight. Sam aimed her bow forward and held it there, a silent dare for anyone to try and touch him again. Blooper got Selena to stop screaming by holding onto her. Pikalus was holding onto him, nearly crushing him but Cody didn't care.

The wind had been knocked out of him and his breathing was labored. His body was in pain- he could barely move- but he was alive. And awake. Cody remembered how despite the pain, his will was unmoved.

"Pi-" Cody had to clear his throat at try again when it came out raspy. "Pikalus." He breathed, getting his attention. "Help me up. I got to end this."

Pikalus made a noise- a growl- and gave the king a hard stare. "Are you kidding me? You think you can fight after that? Who do you think you are?"

"Your King." Cody tried. He had only a handful of cards that could work and he was desperately hoping that would be one of them.

It only made Pikalus more pissed. "You're also not a God, Cody." He spat back. Cody remembered where his mistake was: Pikalus looked tired. His eyes seemed to age at least ten years since the last time he saw them and he looked just as exhausted as Cody felt. Cody had forgotten, in a split second, that Pikalus often followed his feelings and instincts more than he would care to admit.

Cody was blank with ideas, so Pikalus kept talking. "You're not fit to keep fighting. Rest. That's an order."

Pikalus set him against the wall and motioned for the rest of them to pass. Cody tried to wiggle out of his grip but Pikalus didn't leave any opportunity. All eyes were on him as they took lead. Sam was last to comply, giving him a long look. 'It's for your own good.'

As soon as Pikalus started to move away, Cody grabbed onto his arm and yanked him down to his level. He sucked in a breath but gave a hardened look. "I'm the only one of you that can match his power and you know that. If I don't come with you-!"

Pikalus cuts him off coldly. "I'm creative. I'll figure it out. We're not having this conversation."

Cody feels his grip on him tighten without thinking. Pikalus doesn't so much as flinch. "You can't stop me from fighting. You heard him, I created him! This is my doing- my fault!"

"Cody." It's a warning tone and Cody knows it. He couldn't bring himself to stop.

"This is my fight!" He argues. "My responsibility! You can deny it as much as you want, I know that. You can't try and hide that from me by trying to comfort me, I know what I did! You can't-!"

"Enough." His voice had dropped into a darkness that choked Cody into comply. Pikalus' eyes blazed with anger as he slowly stood up. Cody's grip loosened and dropped completely after a moment.

Pikalus didn't say another word. He simply stood up, and walked to Sam's side a few feet away. Then, he drew his hammer out from where he had stored it on his back and Cody remembered how his stomach dropped.

The ground complied and a wall formed between them, cutting Cody off.

He screamed and pleaded and cursed at a Pikalus all at once. Cody crawled over to the wall- even if it hurt like hell- and pounded his fist against it but it did no good.

He was trapped. Cody remembered every single bit of what happened and tried to see a way he could've stopped it. Maybe if I caught the lightning or tried to redirect it.

In the end, what happened, happened, and Cody couldn't deny that.

His fears creeped up on him and he found himself choking back tears that wanted to fall. They can't match Ace's power. They could die. I can't stop it- I can't help them. They could die- all of them.

Sam, Pikalus, Selena, CannibalCrab, Blooper.

Cody can't stop shaking.

——————

Selena feels herself turn from shaking to deadly still. Fear courses through her still, but it's now for herself.

Cody's safe. We aren't.

It takes her a moment to realize that while Blooper has let go, he stays close to her as if he still clings. She lets him, she doesn't blame him.

All of them are silent as they hear Cody go quiet from the other side. Pikalus hasn't moved for a solid few minutes but none of them have guts to ask him anything.

Until, Sam does. Selena knows her sister well, and by the look on her face- as she's the only one close enough to see Pikalus' face- he's having regrets. Selena wonders if she could've done something and feels a guilt in her heart that isn't shaken.

Sam says something quiet to Pikalus. Selena manages to read her lips- a skill the two of them used to practice when they were young. 'You did it for him.' The aqua mermaid tells him. 'Nobody can deny that.'

Pikalus' head turns and Selena sees what he says back. 'You're wrong. I did it for me. I was looking for a way out and I found one.'

'I understand. I don't blame you.' Selena swears that Sam looks at her for a brief moment. 'Are you ready?'

'Is anyone?' Pikalus doesn't wait for an answer as he begins to trudge ahead, taking lead. His grip on his weapon strengthens and Selena wishes that she could get into his head like her sister can.

But Selena manages with what she can do. She strolls ahead and stops Pikalus for long enough to give him a hug. She doesn't say anything, but she doesn't need to. Pikalus is silent as well. He hesitates for a split second before returning it. Selena holds it until his breathing is even and let's go.

Pikalus remains silent but gives a short nod and a half smile. Which considering Pikalus is Pikalus, is better than expected. He then heads for the clearing with Cannibal catching up, a little better than before.

Which is good enough for Selena. She smiles to herself and turns her head when Blooper rejoins her side.

Sam follows soon after, snaking her hand around her shoulder and pulling her in for a half hug. Considering their situation, her older sister is more than amused.

"That's my girl." Sam whispers to her.

—————

Three versus five sounds like an unfair fight.

As it turns out, it's a lot harder than expected, and soon enough, they're split up once again.

Blooper and Selena both do their best to hold off Ace. After all, what Cody said was true: He's the only one who can take him on alone and come out alive. So instead, before they were ambushed by the three blue haired men, Pikalus got the plan out to each of them.

If they can manage to take out the other two- Diamond and Clubs- then they have a fighting chance with Ace.

Selena and Blooper, while young, were the best for being a distraction. Both quick on their feet and well coordinated. They spun circles around him, and it was only because of Ace's own power that he managed to keep up. Selena used her power in short bursts but other than that, wasn't getting anywhere. With so little metal around, Blooper stuck to close combat, but out of everything to be stuck with, that's the best one for him. He takes every opportunity and doesn't think, something that works in his advantage for once.

Ace is quick enough to not earn any major cuts, but little nicks from the pair start to show up. One on the bridge of his nose, another on his forearm, a couple on his back- it's slow but they're keeping up.

It's not without taking hits either though. No major hits but burn marks start to appear from minor shocks that he lands on them. They're both lucky that he's conserving what energy he has left, and the two of them are using that luck to every advantage they have.

Sam and Cannibal ended up with Diamond. Though, from the way it looks, it's mostly just Sam and Diamond. Cannibal isn't as fast and has trouble keeping up, only getting pushed around by Diamond and nearly hitting Sam when he tries to shoot. Even so, he's focused and determined to strike whenever possible.

Diamond and Sam match wits and continuously play mind games with each other. Sam, using her bow to quickly teleport everywhere and planning her every move, and Diamond, making note of everywhere she shoots and coordinating his movements to defend and deflect, attacking whenever he can.

It's much like chess. Both looking for an opening to take the king and having to give up sacrifices to get there. Both have only been able to get a good hit once: Sam striking Diamond so hard that his form flickered and Diamond retaliating on her dominant arm just as hard, making her slower when shooting.

Which leaves Pikalus with-

"Don't you know to pay attention to your attacker?" Clubs cuts into his thoughts with a grin and nearly catches Pikalus. He swipes with the stolen blade he snagged off the scientist- who now regrets bringing it at all- but luckily, barely gets him.

Pikalus stumbles but regains his balance fast enough to dodge his next attack. Clubs just gives him a wider grin as he eyes him. Pikalus thought he could take him alone but the longer the fight draws on, the less certain he is of that. He should have learned, but instead, he dreamed of revenge and took it.

And now it's all going south as he can see how Clubs appears a lot more intelligent than he thought. Maybe it's the battlefield. The adrenaline that boosts his awareness.

"I'm having fun, aren't you?" Clubs tells him coolly. When Pikalus doesn't reply, Clubs just keeps talking. "I mean, I don't know about you, but I'm planning on breaking you and showing you what real pain feels like!" His eyes glance around. "I've been meaning to ask, but where's that king of yours? Surely he's somewhere around here too, right?"

Pikalus doesn't respond, but he shoots a glare and tries his best not to grind his teeth. (But he fails)

Clubs eyes only light up at that. "Ohhh, is he hiding? Not for an ambush but because he's a coward?" Pikalus flinches and a low sound comes from his throat as he tries to calm down, but fails. Instead, Clubs' eyes just light up more. "Did I hit something? Is it because he's too weak? Too scared? Did he turn tail and flee, scared that we would get him first? Is he hiding under the covers, trying not to remember his sins? Tell me, Pikalus. Just how bad is he?"

Pikalus lets out a scream as he lunges forward. He doesn't think about how he'll attack, all he wants is to make him hurt for talking about him like that.

Clubs dodges easily and suddenly, Pikalus is on the ground. Clubs lets out a wicked laugh, and Pikalus realizes his mistake too late.

He turns and the blade sinks deep into his flesh until there's a slash across his heart. Blood covers his chest as Clubs' eyes burn into his. He wanted me to attack recklessly. Pikalus realizes quickly. He wanted me to get in close so he could do this.

"I told you I'd make you bleed." Clubs' snarls at him, his cockiness wavering for a moment. "I told you! You should've listened, I gave you a warning! But does anyone ever listen?"

Pikalus doesn't respond. The world starts to turn to nothing but mist as his breaths get heavier than he'd like. There's no Tanith to help him this time, and even as CannibalCrab starts to go for Clubs, he can barely think.

There's one option left. Pikalus tells himself, clenching his fist. I'm sorry everyone. Hopefully it won't be so bad this time.

Pikalus is quick to dig deep into his mind to fish out what he's been suppressing. The world is going dark, but Pikalus is faster. It rushes back to him in an instant.

Too fast all happening too fast not strong enough monster Monster MONSTER can't save him fate is cruel fate is stupid why him why him wHY HIM not fair not fair I can change it I'll make sure he never has to I'll do it I'll rip them apart monsterMonsterMONSTER NOTFAIRNOTFAIRNOTFAIR HEDOESN'TDESERVETHIS WHYHIMWHYHIMWHYHIM

NO LONGER.

Pikalus is gone before he can open his eyes to feel himself changing.

————-

Blooper is pretty certain they can do this.

He doesn't like to be 100% sure, even if he acts like he is. In his opinion, leaving that small room for doubt keeps him on his toes and ready to improvise at all times. But, at that moment, it feels okay.

Selena and himself might be slowing down, but so is Ace for that matter. They haven't landed any hits, but then again, he hasn't taken any either. We can do this. He tells himself. If we stick together, maybe, we can pull this off!

Blooper is able to forget that pit of dread that's been living in him for a week now. That feeling that even when things are okay, he can't help but feel like something won't be in a split second. He's able to believe fully that they can win this and that they can all go home by the end of the day.

Then Ace, his enemy, suddenly is spooked. His eyes widen suddenly and he trips up. Blooper nearly strikes right then and there, but his curiosity gets the best of him and he looks to see what could shake him of all people in the middle of something serious.

He's met with a eight foot tall and six inches towering, blue beast.

His confidence drops harder than his stomach.

————

ENEMIES ARE PRESENT.

They hurt us. They tried to KILL us.

Fight. KILL. PROTECT.

Wait. Who did it.

Blurry. Can't see. ONE OF THEM DID IT. FIND THEM. HURT THEM. WHICH ONE OF THEM DID IT.

I will find them. I'll make them HURT.

HURT HURT HURT HURT HURT

They don't even understand PAIN

Not like me

NOBODY UNDERSTANDS IT LIKE ME

Alone. Dark. Pain pain pain pain

Never the same. They'll never understand. Never never never never-

But he could. He understood.

But he's not here

Because they HURT him

Who who who who who

So hard to tell

Faces... They're scared

They think I'm a MONSTER

Like EVERYONE ELSE

I'll show them WHAT A REAL MONSTER IS LIKE

Wait

THERE

THAT'S THE ONE

—————————

"Clubs!" Diamond yelled at him. "You're being far too reckless! Focus, we only have one shot at this!"

"I'm trying!" Clubs shouted back, dodging hits from the crab and managing to knock the pistol out of his hand. He smirked and turned back to Diamond. "Besides, even if our bodies go away, I'll still be here, just intangible. Won't be as useful or fun but not like you'll be missing out on your 'Clubs Time' or anything."

"Still." Diamond frowned, nearly stepping out of rhythm and narrowing escaping Sam's arrow. "Just- no stunts, okay?"

"Awe, you worried?" Clubs teased him.

"Clubs, we're connected, you fully know I am!"

CannibalCrab gave Sam a look saying, 'Are they really flirting right now?' And getting a shrug in response.

Clubs was feeling good about himself. He started to charge up an attack before a long shadow passed over him. He blinked and turned back, then his blood turned cold and he could barely breathe.

Oops. Clubs thinks.

Hulk stood over him and brought down his fists. Clubs dodged the first attack, rolling out of the way just by the skin of his teeth, but Cannibal acted before he could do anything more. He grabbed onto the pistol and shot, freezing Clubs' feet in place.

Clubs pounded his fists against the ice to crack it but it wasn't enough. The Hulk was far faster and Clubs' body soon turned back into pure energy under the force of the hit. He was reduced back to his ghost-like form.

"Aww man..." Clubs frowned, then groaned as the phantom pain still made his transparent body ache. "Should've picked a smaller fish to fry."

"CLUBS!" Diamond's eyes sparked with anger as he suddenly raised his arms and shot at Hulk, making him roar in pain and stumble back. Sam strikes him but Diamond releases a burst of energy that makes her crumble with a sharp cry.

Selena and Blooper set their sights on him but Diamond doesn't hesitate to take all the energy he has and rains it down on them, forcing them to table a defensive option.

He then charges up another attack and strikes Hulk again as he recovers and tries to go for him. CannibalCrab aims again and this time, gets one of his hands, encasing it in ice. It's enough to let Blooper distract him and Selena take the finishing blow that makes him end up just like Clubs.

For a moment, Clubs is awestruck by his work, eyes wide and curious. Then, it turns into a smirk.

"Wow, that was pretty reckless." Clubs nudges him.

Diamond crosses his arms and huffs, embarrassed. "I... Maybe it's not as easy as it looks."

The pair quickly join Ace, fully knowing that nobody else can see them anymore.

The rest of them all pant, exhausted and give each other a look. "Two down, one to go?" Blooper gives a weak smile, even though he knows that with Sam on the ground, injured and Pikalus still... Transformed, it'll be harder.

Cannibal nods and gets up from the ground. "Hey big guy," He smiles nervously at Hulk, approaching him like he would a wild animal. He has his claws up, trying to show he means no harm and hoping he'll listen. "Listen, do you think you can-!"

He doesn't finish as Hulk backhands him and he hits the cave wall.

————

Cody tried to fight his exhaustion but his body goes limp.

Everything hurts. He can't keep hoping that Pikalus will give in sooner or later, and from the sounds of it, they've already engaged them. Cody tries to listen in and imagine what's going on but his body keeps failing him, sinking deeper and deeper until his eyelids need to close is stronger than his will to keep them open.

He can still feel the excess electricity coursing through his body, much like a virus. His body aches from the very feeling of it and just wants to shut down. It almost feels like something is forcing him to sleep but Cody finds that he can't care as much as he wants. Instead, he drifts and gets lost in a void.

When he opens his eyes again, he's in the middle of a storm.

A storm of blue, all swirling around him with voices of their own. Thousands of voices that make it hard to even think anything of his own accord but Cody just barely holds on. He knows it's not real but it doesn't make it any less terrifying. There's a sensation in his mind that makes it feel like at any moment, he could be lost and forget who he is. The only thing that allows him to cling to what he has is the memories of reality and his own fear.

"Cody. I'm glad you could join me, we need to talk."

Cody turns to find himself face to face with... Rasmus. His Uncle is standing right there, but it feels so impossible and so Cody knows it's not really him. He has to admit, there is a comfort to seeing him of all people. A reassurance that if he wants to talk, then it'll be okay. Rasmus would never hurt him, and he would never allow him to get hurt.

Rasmus- No, not quite him... Not-Rasmus smiles at him as he thinks. It's a warm smile that reflects the way he feels inside when he sees it. Safe, warm, home. Cody feels okay. More okay than he's felt in a long time, which is something he didn't want to admit until now.

"I'm glad you like this form I chose. I had a feeling you would, but now I know for sure." Not-Rasmus speaks but it's not his voice. No, this is the voice of a woman, and one Cody swears he's heard before but he's blanking on where or who it belongs to. Nonetheless, he still listens to the illusion of his uncle. Whoever this is, even if he can't seem to remember, he at least has the feeling that he can trust them.

"You said we needed to talk?" Cody asks uncertainty. He didn't notice it until now but ever since Not-Rasmus spoke to him, the storm has gotten quieter. He can only hear the voices if he really focuses on them, but he can't tell what they're saying anymore. He can't remember what they said in the first place either.

Not-Rasmus nods at him, eyes soft. "You have something you need to do. We both know this."

Cody blinks. For a moment, his mind is a blank slate, nothing on it. Then, it bursts with color as memories suddenly fill his head all at once. He tries not to be overwhelmed by it, or at least not show it. It takes a moment for Cody to know what they're talking about, then he feels like an idiot for not knowing in the first place.

"Oh." It's the only word that manages to leave his mouth. His chest tightens and he tries not to fidget against Not-Rasmus' gaze.

There's sympathy in their eyes. "I am sorry. This is my mistake, and yet, I am sending you to fix it. I wish I could do it myself, but I'm afraid, my influence does have its limits. But, I can help you in one way."

Not-Rasmus' arm extends out to Cody and he takes it. In a split moment, his body gets a burst of power. He feels no pain, no sorrow, nothing at all. Then it relaxes and he's himself again.

He's breathless, but he still finds the will to ask, "What did you do?"

"Gave you a little boost." Not-Rasmus tells him with a smile. Their arm drops, and they seem just as relieved as Cody feels. "Not all of my power is destructive, you know. I can heal as well, though I don't suggest you try it. It doesn't seem to run in your blood. You know what to do?"

"Destroy his body to separate his soul from it." He answers without a second thought. His stomach still drops but he manages to hold his own. "But what about-!"

"I'll take care of your obstacle." He's assured. The dream starts to flicker, or maybe it's just him. Not-Rasmus looks almost... Sad for a moment. He wants to know why but he can't seem to grasp onto reality. "Good luck. Call for me if you need me."

"But who are you?" He's almost gone, he can see through his own body now.

Not-Rasmus only smiles at him.

---------------

TOO FAST

Small beings won't stay still. Attack attack ATTACK ATTACK

The purple one is irritating. Much too stabby. I'll show that purple one who can bring pain

He doesn't even understand pain

NOBODY UNDERSTANDS IT LIKE I DO

ONLY ME

PAIN PAIN PAIN PAIN

They deserve to know. EVERYONE DESERVES TO KNOW

I WILL MAKE THEM KNOW

HEY

HOW DARE

Stupid purple one ruins EVERYTHING

That was meant for PINKIE but NO

selfish Selfish SELFISH

They all think I'm a monster DON'T THEY

I'LL SHOW THEM. I'LL MAKE THEM UNDERSTAND. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM

YOU WON'T ESCAPE ME BLUE NOBODY LEAVES HERE

I'M NOT DONE WITH YOU

I'M NOT DONE WITH ANY OF YOU

GET OVER-

wait

waitwaitwaitwaitwaitwaitWAITWAITWAIT

He's here

He's HERE

WHY IS HE HERE THAT IDIOT I-

I... SOMETHING

WHY CAN'T I REMEMBER THIS IS STUPID

ARE THEY JUDGING ME

THEY'RE JUDGING ME WHY ARE THEY-

oh

does he remember?

'...don't have to.... It's okay... st calm dow... don't have to be... ee? Just like last time... isten to my vo... ll be alright Ni... omise.'

I

Oh no

Purple Pinkie Orange

What have I done?

------------------

Selena caught Niall Pikalus before he hit the ground, though she couldn't hold him for long and had to gentle put him down.

Cody sighed with relief. He didn't think that'd actually work, but then again, it never occured for him to try. He woke up feeling his memories buzzing in his head, and one of the dream he witnessed in which another version of him helped young Pikalus stayed around longer than the others.

Oddly enough, now the memory felt more familiar. Like something he had buried deep and was just waiting for him to unlock it. Or maybe, break it free. The idea of a glacier filled with those memories briefly flashed in his head, but was gone before he could grasp it. Another time, another day, he would've tried to find it again, but he had bigger problems.

"You okay?" Cody directed the question first at Blooper, who was just getting up.

The young kraken coughed, shaking off the pain before giving a toothy grin. He was bruised but luckily, Hulk hadn't gotten him too bad. If anything, he looked exhilarated. A fire was in his eyes, brighter than he had seen before. "I've had worse," He told the king, then held his shoulder, drawing the brown eyes to it in realization that it looked dislocated. To his surprise, Blooper barely seemed to notice it. Instead, his left hand clutched his dagger that dripped with blood. His eyes seemed bigger, if that was possible. "I made the Hulk bleed." Blooper informed him with a wicked look. "This is more cause to celebrate. I can't wait to tell Dad!"

"Please don't, I'd like to keep Pikalus alive." Cody grimaced, then shot a look to Sam and Cannibal. Sam was coughing into her hand but gave a thumbs up while Cannibal was stuck sitting up against the wall, wincing and leaning back. "Status? What did I miss?"

"Diamond got Sam but she's okay!" Selena was the one who answered, standing up. "She's still got a few sparks in her system that's causing respiratory problems but her body seems to be fighting it off so I think she just needs rest. Cannibal got backhanded by Hulk and hit the wall pretty hard. Seems to have a mild concussion and he says his ribs hurt. One might be broken, but let's hope for the best. Blooper needs his arm relocated and Pikalus' stab wounds- courtesy of Clubs and Blooper- seem to be alright considering. Hulk's superpowered body seemed to have helped them heal but they might scar- particularly Clubs. He's unconscious but he's stirring a bit so I think he might wake up soon."

Selena finished and Cody gave her a long stare. She stifled a laugh. "I, uh, started watching 'Grey's Anatomy' and it got me into researching a bunch of medical terms and visiting the Atlantis Hospital in my free time. Got to have a hobby, right?"

"Right." Cody laughed. It faded away as he scanned the room and found Ace at the opposite end, locking eyes with him. From the state of the room, Hulk had been wrecking the place and Ace was not spared from this either, though he looked fairly untouching considering. How deep of a sleep was I in? Cody couldn't help but ask himself, then shook it off and faced Ace.

Behind him, Selena and Blooper stood up. "No." He told the both of them. "Just me."

Selena huffed angrily. "It'll be better with help! We're perfectly capable of fighting!"

"Yeah! C'mon, I just made THE HULK BLEED! Give me some credit!" Blooper agreed.

"It's not about what you can do, it's about the fact that I'm not letting anyone else get hurt." Cody protested. His hand dug into his spear as he took it out. "This is my fight."

"Cody, accept the help." Sam said through coughs.

"I don't care what you say, I'm fighting anyways." Blooper told him, then motioned Selena over and pointed to his shoulder. "Fix it." Selena hesitated for a brief moment but quickly set it back into place, getting a yelp out of Blooper when she did but otherwise, he looked ready. "See? Not injured! It's fightin' time."

"No!" Cody shouted. Though he couldn't see it, his eye color started to shift from a soft brown to a piercing blue. He paid no attention to the way his Atlantean Weapon started to spark. "None of you are getting it! I can do this! You guys took out the other two, and for that, I'm grateful!"

Unknowing to all of them but three beings of the Nexus, one had scoffed. "Wow. It's like we're not even here!"

"That's because we're not to them, Clubs."

"Oh yeah..."

Cody continued. "But as your King- and your friend- I'm ordering you to stand down. I can handle this on my own. Just stay safe."

Selena seemed to waver but Blooper snorted. "Ha! You're not my king or my friend!" He flipped the dagger around, getting low. "I'm doing this!"

"No!" Cody screamed again. "Just- JUST- STOP!"

At his words, he did. Blooper froze in place, unmoving as if he had suddenly become a statue. Cody nearly sighed in relief, but then he saw that everyone else was the same. Nobody was moving from their place, nor were they even so much as breathing. All of it was unnatural, but then it hit Cody. "I froze it. I froze time again!"

"You can do that?" The King's head whipped around to find Ace looking at all of it. His question was more curious than anything else, which surprised Cody. "Huh... I didn't think that was possible."

Ace was lost for a moment, then snapped back to Cody. They locked eyes once again, and they both knew what was going to happen. It occured to Cody for the first time on how tired Ace looked. Not just physically tired from the way he was breathing and how he was slouching, but also how tired his eyes looked. Were there always dark circles under his eyes? Cody wondered silently.

Unknowing to Cody, Clubs and Diamond exchanged looks before Clubs caught Ace's attention, making him look over. "Listen, we... I think we have to go." Ace's eyes flashed with alarm and Clubs quickly explained. "I mean we'll still be in your head! You just won't see us for a while. We... We take up a lot of your energy and I think you need all the help you can get if you're going to be facing him."

"We'll come back whenever we can." Diamond nodded along. "We just... It's in all of our best interests that we split for now. Only physically, of course. We're in your head, we'll always be there."

Ace couldn't say a word. He wasn't sure what to say. His heart just froze up and the best he could offer was a small nod. The two of them nodded, then grabbed each other's hands. "We'll see you on the other side. Hang in there." Diamond said, trying his best to reassure him.

Clubs grinned, then suddenly perked up and turned to Diamond. "Wait, one more thing! While we're still physical, can we uh... Y'know. Try that thing we saw?"

Diamond paused to think, then a smirk appeared on his face. "What? You mean, this?" Diamond suddenly grabbed Clubs' face and brought it close to his own before planting his lips on his. Clubs made breathless happy noises before pulling away with a doofy grin on his face.

"Yeah..." He said breathlessly. "That."

Diamond stood up straighter, smiling proudly. "Not bad for a first time. Goodbye, Ace. Until we meet again."

Ace watched as the two bodies glowed, then burst into pure power that was sucked back into Ace. They were gone, and Ace couldn't help but feel alone. He had forgotten what it was like without their shameless flirting and bickering in his head.

Cody noticed the change in Ace, and how much he seemed to sag now. It made him pause. "We don't have to do this, you know." Cody said softly. "You could just... Surrender. I can try and fix you and I'll find a way to make sure you make up for... Everything."

Ace looked like he was considering it for a brief moment. Then his eyes flashed with darkness and he sighed. His head shook. "I don't believe I can be fixed. Not now. Maybe I had a choice once but..." His voice trailed off and he never finished it. Cody mentally answered it in his head. His will was dropping but he wasn't sure he could really back out now.

Cody raised his spear. "We don't have to fight, you know." His voice was lost.

Ace raised both of his hands. "Yes, we do." Both of them hesitated before Ace decided to ask something. "Cody, do you think we all have a fate? Something that has to happen, even if we don't want it too?"

Cody felt his throat close but he still answered. "I don't know."

Ace sighed deeply. His electric eyes started to glow even brighter with power, telling Cody it was time. "Me neither."

The two of them surged their hands forward and shot energy. It burst in the middle of them, an even bigger light emitting from the middle and neither being able to get an edge. A near even match, until Ace began to force his powers to go further and pushed it more on Cody. A bright glow came from Ace, making him look down and see he was face to face with his own soul, boosting his power.

Cody grunted, desperately hoping that his will to hold the time freeze would not be his downfall and closing his eyes. I need more. Cody whispered to himself, though it felt like somebody else was with him. It finally occurred to him who he had spoken to in his dreams, and he wasn't sure how it could've been anyone else. You said to ask for your help. So please, I can't afford to lose.

A rush of energy- much like adrenaline- coursed through Cody's veins. The beam of blue power that was inching closer to him started to push back at an alarming speed.

Ace's breath caught in his throat as soon as he heard a whisper in his ear.

I'm sorry.

Clash of Nexus energy exploded and everything turned blue.

Time unfroze as soon as it did, meaning that nobody was safe from the shockwave that followed. Cody sailed and hit the wall, same with Blooper and Selena, who were also standing. Luckily for the injured, Selena, Cannibal and Pikalus were only pushed back, with Pikalus waking up with a jolt, then groaning and holding his scarred chest.

Cody wanted to stay down, his body feeling like thousands of needles had been stuck into him, making him shudder, but then he heard it and he sat up in a split second.

A scream of agony.

Across the room, Ace circled himself into a deeper ball, his arms hugging onto his chest and pained gasps escaping him. As soon as Cody watched a stream of tears drip down his face, was on his feet and rushing towards Ace in a split second, even if he hurt. Ace flinched when he got too close and Cody came to a grinding halt when he saw it.

Ace's soul. It was cracked, shattered like glass and threatening to break at any second.

"Oh." Cody surged forward to examine it further. "Oh that's... That's..." Cody didn't know too much about souls, but he knew enough to know that a cracked one was dangerous, and most likely, fatal. "I didn't mean to... I didn't even see..." His sentences just kept ending abruptly and he swallowed.

Ace panted, his body shaking. "It... Hurts. I-I..." Ace didn't finish as a wave of pain shook his body when his soul shook. "Make it stop! MAKE IT STOP, PLEASE!" His throat was raw and it showed when he screamed. Cody couldn't help but be drawn to his now pale eyes, power dripping away then suddenly glowing when his soul let out another burst. It's unstable. Cody didn't dare say it out loud.

Behind him, everyone else was frozen in place. Pity washed over them. Even if they didn't like Ace, nobody liked to hear someone in pain. Not like that.

Fast footsteps soon followed as Cody tried to speak to Ace in a low voice and KrakenKid and Tanith burst out from the tunnel. "Who's screaming?" Tanith asked quickly, eyes darting around, even if she was leaning on the kraken. "My powers are on the fritz but I can try my best to-..." She trailed off when she noticed Cody and Ace. KrakenKid didn't need to be told before he started to guide her over there. Tanith gasped loudly as soon as she saw his soul.

"Cracked? I can barely do much with souls anyways but that... I don't think I can do anything with that! Not to fix it anyways- sweet mercy, how did that even happen?" Tanith gaped.

Nobody answered, least of all Cody or Ace. Instead, Cody offered a hand and Ace grabbed onto it and squeezed it. Ace's heart was pounding and he couldn't help it. His body felt like it was on fire and it wouldn't stop. Why won't it stop?

Cody gulped, noticing that Ace's feet were beginning to turn back into energy. His body is reverting since his soul can't hold it anymore. He's dying. His mind worked quickly and he turned back to Tanith. "What if you didn't have to heal it? Could you just... Stop it? Put a pause on it?"

Tanith blinked, then took out her staff. "I might be able to do that." She nodded slowly, the gestured for KrakenKid to help her down to Ace's level. "Thanks KK. Ace, try not to move too much, okay?" Ace nodded meekly and Tanith hovered her staff over his soul. It took her a moment but a red blob started to appear on her chest as she summoned her own to force her magic to comply. Steadily, a stream of golden streams descended on his soul and in between the cracks. It became like glue, managing to pull it together but still, looked fragile. She dropped her arm as soon as the last crack looked filled. The red soul faded. "That's the best I can do. Your body..." Her head shook. "I don't think it'll make it."

Ace's eyes widened with panic. "No... No, I can't- I don't want to die! I don't want to die!" His voice turned to a shrill wail and Cody couldn't help but cut in.

"You won't! Listen, I'm going to take your soul back to the Nexus. It can be fixed there! You can be back where-!"

"You don't understand." Ace gulped. His bright eyes locked onto Cody's brown ones. "You don't... I'll still die. I won't be alive, it's not the same! I'll be apart of a hive mind again, I won't think for myself anymore! I can't- I won't-" His breathing turned ragged but he still looked Cody in the eyes. "I'm... Sorry. I'm sorry for everything."

Cody's breath caught in his throat. "Ace..."

"I mean it." Ace told him. Another unstable shock rocked him, making him clutch onto Cody's hand tighter. "You... You Atlanteans have last wishes, don't you? When somebody is dying?"

You're not going to die. The words were on the tip of Cody's tongue, but he couldn't say them. He didn't want to lie right now. So instead, he just nods.

Ace's hand slipped into his pocket, then his other hand let go and both moved up to the back of his neck before he placed two items in Cody's hand. One was the black heart necklace he wore, and the other... Cody wasn't entirely sure what to call it.

Ace didn't explain the items themselves, instead closing Cody's hand around them and pushing it towards the king. "Listen- Listen this is so important, okay? You have to remember- you need to take both of these things to someone. A boy. A-a little boy in the poor district. He's got brown hair- and-and purple eyes!"

Ace's voice shook. He doesn't want to do this. Cody thought through his sniffling, his heart burning. His whole body started to tremble, like was only now realizing something. Tears filled his eyes but he kept talking. "This is so important, okay? His name- his name is Chester. You need to give him both of those things and- just... Tell him... Tell him-!"

The more panicked he was, the more his body started to turn to nothing but dust. His pants now flopped on the ground, his entire lower body gone and one of his arms was joining it. Cody wanted to stop him but Ace wouldn't slow down.

"You just need to tell him something! That I'm gone and I-I won't be coming back! You can tell him I'm dead or you can lie, just- make sure he knows that. Okay? Please, I can't- I have to say goodbye and this is my only way how!" Ace pushed Cody's closed fist closer towards his heart like he was making sure Cody would protect it. "This... It's important." He repeated again. It was like he was having trouble thinking and trying to hold on. "It's so important."

Cody nodded again. He knew there were other people in the room but it felt like it was just them. "I'll make sure it gets done. I'm... I'm sorry it had to be this way."

Ace shook his head. His body relaxed as one of his arms was completely gone, and his other quickly following. "It's okay. I left you no choice. I... I had a feeling before this battle, you know. I wanted to ignore it- the others did too- but... I think we all knew we wouldn't make it. Even if I didn't want it to be true, maybe fate is real. Maybe this is mine..."

His voice was fading, and his body with it. It was reaching his body and head now. Every part of him but his soul was being turned to nothingness. Ace was quiet for a moment.

"If it helps at all, I... I'll try to help this boy if I can. Chester. I'll look after him." Cody tried, swallowing.

"He might not let you, you'll have to work from a distance but..." Ace smiled softly. "He's got a future. A bright one. Let him shine. And... Thank you."

His eyes closed. "Thank you..." He whispered.

And he was gone. His soul and a pile of lifeless clothes was all that remained. Cody carefully guided the soul into his hands after pocketing the items and struggled to his feet.

Selena was right by his side in a flash. She opened her mouth to offer help but Cody shook his head. Then he looked around the room, hesitating.

"Go." Tanith told him, still on the ground. "We're all fine. Take care of him first."

Cody didn't say a word but flashed a grateful look. He couldn't seem to smile.

Instead, he trudged out of the tunnels, and made a beeline for the palace. He didn't stop for anything or anyone else. Everything felt heavier and disoriented. Everything felt... Wrong.

Cody reached the Nexus and carefully pushed the soul into it. The soul floated before the Nexus shifted and swallowed him whole. It buzzed to life with power shifting, but Cody watched it settle.

"Cody?"

He knew that voice. He looked up and noticed Rasmus staring right at him. His eyes were wide with worry as he looked him up and down. "Are... Are you alright?"

Cody's eyes trailed back to the Nexus. The world became blurry and Cody didn't remember being on his knees until just then.

"No."

***************
I still have the epilogue to wrap things up but... That's the end. I finally completed that.

Let's start with notes before I get all mooshy gushy:
- Hearts is explained briefly. He's both like Ace, and his opposite at the same time. That's the fourth

- Cody learns from watching his friends get hurt and wants to never see it again. As suspected, Cody has a higher immunity to the Nexus Energy than the rest of them so even through a deadly bolt, he's okay. Sort of.

- Pikalus has been looking for a way to avoid Cody having to kill Ace since he tried to kill him himself in 'Pulse Part Two'. He sees his chance and takes it

- I wanted to show what it's like to watch an exchange but from another point of view. I chose Selena for this role, watching her sister comfort Pikalus after he questions his actions. She comforts him in the only way she knows how.

- The match ups were pretty specific. Ace vs the youngest, making him stay on his toes; Sam and Cannibal vs Diamond, which Sam does end up taking the lead, though Cannibal makes up for it later; And Clubs and Pikalus, Which is an interesting pair to me. They're similar, yet different.

- Clubs is not a man of empty words. Also a reminder that while Clubs can be an idiot, he knows how people's instincts work. He IS instincts.

- Decided to show how Pikalus becomes the Hulk, and that Hulk does have his perks. He's superhuman so accelerated healing does come with it.

- A look into Blooper's mind! Thought that would be an interesting way to show what happened

- The Hulk's mind. It's pretty one track and I decided to show that with short sentences and repetition, hopefully it worked. Plus, he can't remember who's good or bad, so he attacks everyone. But, sometimes, he tries to focus his rage on one person. It's no wonder why Pikalus has trouble controlling it

- Diamond and Clubs aren't too worried about being shattered mostly because they're still together and they know that.

- Cody is visited by the Nexus, who decides to help him out. After all, she feels as if she is guilty too. She took the form of Rasmus to comfort him.

- Another look into the Hulk's mind because I couldn't resist

- Just if you're curious, the 'Dream' Cody talks about is from the chapter 'Dreams' where Cody sleepwalks and at one point, sees his deeper relationship with Pikalus.

- Blooper made Hulk bleed. Enough said.

- Cody stops time with his new boost of power

- Diamond and Clubs kiss. Also, It was mentioned when they first appeared that being there at all DID take up quite a bit of energy, especially since they added details, so they disappear

- Ace's talk on Fate is something I put in due to the fact that Ace was always meant to die. Even as I developed his character, I knew he was fated for this in the end. I thought it would be fitting for him to have the same idea. Not to mention I did leave a bit of foreshadowing for it here and there, less obvious than the 'Cody needs to kill him thing' but when Clubs was first introduced, Ace was the one who ended him, saying it was fitting that he killed his own creation. And since Cody Created Ace, well, you get the point.

- One last secret to be revealed in the Epilogue. Nothing fancy, but hopefully, it'll provide a little something. Remember how Ace made a deal with Jill?

- When coming up with Ace's last words, it took me a while. My first thought was 'I'm sorry' but after a while, I settled on 'Thank you'. I wanted Ace's last words to be grateful.

- Cody is not okay

And that's all. Thank you all so much for making it this far and seeing it through, it means the world to me. I'm glad to be finally finished with this piece of my life. I worked on it for a long time and it has a lot of memories, but finally, Sea Serpent can rest. I have new memories to make. Be sure to comment, I worked really hard on making the ending good, and I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thank you, and goodnight.

—JustAnAtlantisWriter