Episode 13: Make the Most of It

[Noland Hardy]

"...Yes, sir... Won't happen again..." Noland pledged.

"...Yeah it will..." Dad believed. Noland quickly went back home via Hyper Motion before anyone realized he was gone. He arrived just in time to hear Drago laugh about what he thought happened.

"Looks like you had fun," Drago tried to say without laughing.

"...You allowed it to happen..." Noland seethed.

"He said he needed to talk to his wife about the quake. I made sure he was where he was supposed to be."

"You didn't think to tell him NOT to leave my body in Alana's bed!?"

"You were where!?" Sandra yelled.

"N-nowhere!" Noland insisted. "...He didn't have the decency to apologize either..." he said much quieter.

"I'm sure he didn't do anything like that. He seems trustworthy. We actually talked a little before he went."

"What did he say...?"

[Noland Hardy]

About an hour earlier after the quake...

Noland was wide-awake in his bed. Drago was on the roof. He was meditating up there, but was forced to look at the surrounding area to make sure no one gets killed over this. He Hyper Motioned back into Noland's room without warning though. There was a certain change that Drago detected that got him antsy.

"Who is this?" Drago immediately asked 'Noland.' There were no immediate changes to Noland's physical appearance, but the energy signature was very different.

"Demaryius," he quickly answered. The voice was a little higher pitched than Noland's, but not by that much. "May I move, Dragonoid?"

"So it's really true then... Why Noland?"

"I don't have to waste power defending myself with the power you both possess."

"So you're using us, and you and your wife forced Noland and Alana to take care of your son."

"Valid criticism. It was necessary for who we are. While we're still human, our correct classification is 'Doom Being'. We're the Dharaknoid's people, agents of destruction. Destruction is a mostly uncontrollable type of power. Without a good environment, kids will destroy everything."

"You're saying this is mostly for Darius' benefit?"

"I figured that being around someone with the Ultimate Warrior Gene will motivate him to do the right thing. His mind may have matured from all of those years being alive, but in case he descended into madness, I have you Resistors to bring him out of it. I also figured that he could help you all at certain times, whether it be in combat or for knowledge about our enemy. I'm surprised he remembered as much as he did. I bet it's very difficult for him to keep himself in check."

"Alright. Makes sense. What do you think about what we're dealing with? You've seen what we've fought?"

"About that... I recognize Father Lyles and Mother Bowen, but...I'm not seeing the main boss. We only knew him as Father Zayne. I'm not a sensor myself, so I can't tell you if this Tinsley character is him or not. I do know that one of your friends had their powers in disarray around this man...and that's exactly what happens around Father Zayne. They say he can cause even godly entities to lose their luster..."

"You found a way though...right?"

"He wasn't defeated because he was bested in battle. He was defeated because he had nothing else to do."

"Damn..."

"You'll be fine though. You became this strong. You can beat anyone no matter what special traits someone has. There's always a flaw with something, even outside of battle. Anyway, I've spoken enough. I awakened to speak with Nyla about how we're going to play this out going forward. The Collision has worsened. The world is ending. You possess some form of instant movement. Can you use that to take me to her?"

"You mean you can't do that yourself? You're in Noland's body."

"We project our powers through our host's body. We don't have access to the same powers that they have."

"Ah. Alright. You're not going over there to do anything naughty, are you?"

"...That may or may not be on my mind... Oh, don't look at me like that. I'm ancient. I'm sexually deprived. I got to have something... Alright. I won't do it. You can even stand there to make sure I don't do anything."

"You mind leaving Noland there when you're done?"

"...Won't I get in trouble for that?"

"Nah. You'll be fine. That's what he wants anyway."

[Noland Hardy]

"...I hate you..." Noland expressed in response to what he heard.

"You'll thank me later," Drago believed. "Anywho, he also asked me to take Darius out for a day or two, so you'll have to do without me for a little bit."

"To do what?"

"Whatever he wants to do I, I suppose."

"Okay. He can take Dad's old BrawlX. I'm sure he still has the identity-masking software still on there. No one will know it's him, aside from the Tribunal I guess."

"...I'm surprised you're okay with this."

"He spent all that time in the Doom Dimension. He deserves to live a little. He's still just a kid."

"Makes sense. What will you be doing, just in case we need to fight?"

"Training with Ken. I'll have my powers on all day, so just give me the signal if something comes up."

"Alright."

[Darius Hardy]

In the family room, Darius was constantly poking Vince's old BrawlX once it got on his left wrist. His fascination with it couldn't be put into words. Vladitor was on his shoulder trying to get a grasp of what this was.

"So you just choose whatever person you have on there, and he just becomes that person? Just like that?" Vladitor wondered.

"That's the basic idea," Drago confirmed. "So, just so we're clear, I was told by Demaryius himself that you're not allowed to fight unless whatever is coming for us is more than capable of killing me. Everyone knows who I am. They don't know who you are. You see where I'm going with this?"

"I understand," Vladitor accepted. "Are you sure you're okay with this? This is straying far from the established norm. I can't help but feel a little nervous."

"You should be, but...don't be. Only get nervous if I'm defeated. It's my job to worry for now. You two just enjoy the outdoors."

"Alright... Have to admit. This is the first time I've ever seen Demaryius trust a Dragonoid, other than Genesis himself."

"Something happen?"

"Your kind use to be kinda evil. The Dharaknoid were the good guys."

"Huh...that's new..."

Darius' appearance changed to that of a typical adult male. As far as anyone would know, this black-haired man with a receding hairline was not famous for doing anything; he was a regular joe just like everyone else. "That's so cool!" Darius exclaimed. "Does this mean I can boss Dad around? I'm older than him now."

"...Drago...I'm nervous..."

"...Yikes..."

[Markus Hederick]

Later in the morning, the Dharaknoid continued to loiter on Earth until he figured out what to do. He had his eyes closed the whole time as if he was thinking of something. Maybe he was trying to clear his head. He was flying extremely slow though. People were able to get a good look at him. Their view was so good that they had to use flash photography to remember what he looks like. Unfortunately for them, Dharak didn't approve of it.

"No flash photography," Dharak warned the public. Without a hint of a gesture, the technological devices responsible for the flashing crumbled into dust. "And stop breathing all over each other. You're going to spread something..."

Aware that the Dharaknoid was still on the planet, Markus was taking extreme caution to not do anything that'd draw his attention. He was being good. In fact, he was on his way to do a good deed right now. He went to Northeast D.C. to visit someone. He was careful enough to go in there by shadow. Someone walked past a room on the 5th floor, and before they left to go in there own room, Markus rose from their shadow and stood next to a door.

He knocked three times. He sighed as if he was slightly uncomfortable. This was the last thing he'd ever see himself doing, but here he is anyway...

[Alex Andersen]

Moments after the door slowly opened revealing Alex behind it. He looked Markus up and down. There was no emphatic emotion on his face upon seeing his visitor. He simply opened the door wider. "Come in." He said and headed back to living room. 

His place was fairly modest; not much decor or fancy colors. Judging by the intensity of lingering scents he was in process making coffee and probably some food as well. With all the mess happening in the world it is a rare opportunity for him to be able to cook like that, but he took the opportunity regardless. Plus, he cannot simply buy food anymore and store it in the fridge knowing Lydia just sneaks in and eats all of it. 

"Now, I take you did not come for pancakes and coffee, did you?" Alex said while heading to the living room.

[Markus Hederick]

Markus was taking some quick glances around the place. It was pretty nice in there. Nothing too flashy, but it was more than good enough. He took that time to get himself together, because...well, he wasn't really sure how he was going to break the news to Alex. He already knows how bad Andrea has it, but...he doesn't know how bad.

"...I know where Andrea is..." Markus immediately spat out. "...As long as you don't come after any of us like the Angels did, I will keep tipping you on the things we know about, but... The moment you do something like what they did...I won't be saying anything else. Do we have a deal?"

[Alex Andersen]

"Hmm..." Alex thought to himself. He could not deny that he wanted to know about Andrea. After all he could not do anything about her sad fate; if he could at least make it less painful for her it would be worth it. It was painful just thinking about it and he certainly could not ignore it.

"There is no benefit for me in chasing you. Doubt there is for them either. I have no plans on taking any hostile actions. Unless... you intend to make her state even sadder?" Alex replied. Knowing Resistors they do shove their noses where they do not belong very often and judging by how some of them react to things it was dangerous if they intended to reach out to Andrea. There is a possibility they would simply kill her if they thought that was an optimal solution.

[Markus Hederick]

"Of course not," Markus replied. He could hardly believe that he would be asked that question. It wasn't difficult to find a reason why though. "I hope we all see each other in a better light after this..."

"Anyway, this is another unbelievable story like the last one. I can show you what happened if you want to see it, but...only if you really want to," Markus started. "The people responsible for kidnapping Jenna are apart of the same organization that Maurice's dad was apart of. They call themselves the Tribunal. They're an ancient religious organization that were banished by Genesis Dragonoid...except they're not anymore. They have either a Mother or Father - their leadership - stationed for every planet."

"We were told that they also kidnapped the Neathian princess - neighbors to the Gundalians if you didn't know - so I was rescuing her. While doing so, I was confronted by Neathia's Mother, the woman Noland fought at Annapolis Mall. She had Andrea right beside her like she was a minion. I'd have done something to help her, but I was in enemy territory alone surrounded by who I believe to be the original versions of the Pack... Yes, you heard that correctly. The Pack is there."

Markus held out his hand so that he may share what he experienced with Alex. "You want to see it?"

[Alex Andersen]

Those news were certainly not pleasant. Alex was hoping Andrea was merely hidden away somewhere where he could reach her, but of course it was not going to be that simple. Really... when was it that simple? Her trouble was wrapped up in even more trouble; as if there were not enough lunatics he had to have more of them introduced. Still, that was yet not enough to discourage him from trying at the very least. With so much time passed Alex was confident he could get to her one way or another.

"Quite frankly- I don't. But show it to me anyways." Alex responded.

[Markus Hederick]

Once Markus was given consent, he approached Alex to lay hands on him. Alex was then linked with Markus' soul so that he could see the events for himself. He first witnessed Markus and Gargulion making landfall in the dimension.

"I'm not sure where this is specifically, but we think it may be the Doom Dimension. Just speculation," Markus clarified before going any further. The Pack detected him almost instantly and began to amass an army's worth of Baalenoid across the dimension. When Markus was rushing towards Fabia's location based on the loud screaming, they could see just how different these Baalenoid were in comparison to the one defeated years ago.

"These ones are much faster and more powerful than the one we fought years ago," Markus briefly mentioned. They skipped ahead to the part where Andrea was on the scene. When Mother Bowen showed herself, Andrea stood right beside her. Markus listened to Bowen repeating the same lines from before. What stood out to him this time was how a 'colleague' helped Andrea with becoming a Maverick...

Markus allowed Alex to see the brief skirmish, and then skipped to when Gargulion was within seconds of killing Father Lyles. "You heard Mother Bowen say something about a 'colleague' 'helping' Andrea turn Maverick. Speculation again, but...this guy may be the one who did it. His name is Lyles, Father of Gundalia. He takes someone's pain and amplifies it to the point where he can influence their decision making and emotional state. I'd have killed him, but someone warped him away before his soul was ripped out. He can't be killed by ordinary means; Ahio phase-cutted him, but he still survived like it was nothing."

[Alex Andersen]

"Hmm... that is troublesome." Alex muttered. To think there are people who do such horrific things to one another reminds Alex of Kyuki who disregarded all reason, morals, laws and common sense just to get what he wants. Alex would bet anything that whoever these people are they are nothing different; they do not share the goal, but they certainly share shamelessness and vile actions. Selfish reasons bring about the worst in people. Still, no one but victims learn anything from this- they go about their day and years later there will be another maniac who would trample others' safety for their own benefit.

"Are you certain that was not a programmed illusion you were fighting- or at least the one Ahio cut? If he is just immune I believe I could bypass that obstacle at this point. Also- any other members or followers of this 'Tribunal' that could be caught or questioned?" Alex questioned.

[Markus Hederick]

"I don't know the mechanics behind Lyles' immortality just yet, but that's no illusion. Gundalia's Emperor can tell you that. Lyles killed his best fighter, a high-ranking official, and a horde of children all in one day. I know this seems unbelievable, but this guy is a problem. Bowen even tried to use his dagger to one-shot Drago. She claimed it was the weapon Cain used to kill Abel."

"And the worst part is...we really don't know who to go after at this point. It's an ongoing case with the feds, so I'm probably not supposed to be talking about it. All I can say is that we know of at least two leaders, a possible member on Vestal, and a suspect here on Earth. Noland gets really unnerved around this Tinsley guy that Houston hired not too long ago. Gladion's powers went awry from being within close proximity of this guy. We don't have any proof that the man was responsible or if it was Gladion's fault, but that's all I got."

Markus ended the sharing of experiences since there was nothing else he could show. He took a deep breath before saying more. There was a lot to digest, even for him. "...I do have the soul of the one who fought us at Legion...but he's not talking, and I can't give him up just yet for....reasons."

[Alex Andersen]

There were lots of terms to process and take in. Alex always considered those biblical stories to be exactly that- stories. He could bet anything Asuka or Ares know a thing or two about what is going on with this problem; not like they would reveal any of that to Alex. He was just hoping neither of them were taking part in any of this 'Tribunal' business; Asuka was working very hard for years to improve life on Earth it would be very difficult to believe she would side with these guys. Ares, however, is a different story- he and his personality cannot be read. 

"This is quite a predicament. I could always try and get some info from Asuka on all this- not that I can guarantee results. Other than that I could ask Daniel to look into this Tribunal; I am sure it would not be easy, but it would be a start. If he could gain some insight into this enemy's history and arsenal it would be better than nothing. His power to obtain information improved somewhat..." Alex was thinking out loud. Daniel's powers were becoming more brutal over time, but also very efficient. He has his ways of getting into places he does not belong and getting information by methods that do not require consent of other parties.

"It should come as no surprise either, but Chrono Elite has become more active recently. If you have Eden and some Knights on your back I cannot imagine what outright evil people have in store for you. I have a feeling this business with Tribunal is somehow causing all of this turmoil. If we could get any information from any of these three that would be ideal, too." Alex thought out loud again trying to figure out a starting point for investigation.

[Markus Hederick]

"Hmph...Chrono Elite, huh? That's interesting... Glad you mentioned them..." Markus expressed. It looks like he was thinking about a certain scenario that could bring the most dangerous terrorist organization on the planet into this situation...

"If Lyles or whoever else turned Andrea Maverick, then - at the very least - both Crimson and the Tribunal can dip their hands into it. It has me thinking about what else we've faced that originated from Tribunal labor. Does it include the Mavericks too? So many questions..."

"We'll get our answers eventually. So...I thought you should know where she was. Not just because of what happened before, but...you deserve to at least be warned about what they'll potentially do. We have cause to believe that they're trying to declare war on Achron. Based on how you're talking about Asuka, I can assume that Ares isn't a spring chicken. Tell me. Is he Achron?"