Message #625171

[BlueAnnihilator]

Jawo': Ugh...my head...

Blue: Uh? Jawo', is that you? Hang on!

*Blue runs over to Jawo' and helps him to his feet*

Blue: Are you alright?

Jawo': Yeah...I think so... The last thing I remember was him knocking me out with that annoying move of his...

Penny: Hey, are you two guys okay?

Blue: Penny? You've come to.

Reese: They seem fine to me.

Blue: Ah, and Reese too.

Penny: Yeah, we saw everything that was going on, but we couldn't do anything at the time.

Reese: Our injuries were a little overwhelming. Sorry for not being there to lend a hand, Blue...

Blue: No, it's okay. You did your best, that's all that matters.

Penny: Rrrgh, I hate to admit it, but that Deke...he was one tough opponent.

Reese: Hey, speaking of Deke, where has he gotten off to?

Blue: He fled...

Jawo': What? You mean he ran away!? Damnit.

Blue: *sigh* You're telling me. Not only did we fail to protect the Guardian Statue, we failed to stop Deke as well.

Reese: Oh, right. The Guardian Statues! I had almost forgotten! ...So, since they've all been destroyed now, I guess that means the island has arisen from the sea.

Blue: Well, according to the elders, that's what's supposed to happen.

Penny: So I guess that's what all of that shaking was for earlier, huh?

Blue: Most likely, yes.

Jawo': So now that the island is back from the ocean, that means the Lunar Monolith has come with it. Damn! Now there's nothing stopping them from getting their dirty hands on it!

Lilia: Wait, Jawo'! That's not true!

Jawo': Huh?

Blue: Lilia, you're okay...

Lilia: I am. But that's beside the point! We can't quit now! Not after we've come so far!

Reese: But Lilia, all of the statues are gone. We've failed in our mission...

Lilia: So what!?

Reese: Hunh?

Lilia: It's true that we weren't able to protect the statues, but Kovah still has yet to get to the Monolith! And so long as that's true, we still have a chance, right!?

Blue: ...Yeah, you're right, Lilia. It's not over...until it's over. And as long as I draw breath, I'll never give up.

Lilia: Yes! That's the spirit, Blue! Never give in!

Jawo': Heh, way to give a pep talk, Lilia. You sure got my blood pumping again.

Penny: Yeah! let's find that Kovah and bring him down.

Reese: I'm all for it! But...where do we go now, Blue?

Blue: Hmm...I'm not sure, Reese. But for now, let's just get out of this desert.

Jawo': Sounds good to me. Let's do it.

Blue: Alright. Let's go, everyone.

*As Blue and the others are making their way out of the tower, they are instantly whisked away into thin air. Seconds later, they reappear at Asroc City, in the hall of the elders*

~~Elders Hall~~

Blue: Whoa! What the...what happened?

Jawo': Uhm...I think we were just teleported...

Lilia: But, if that's true, then...where are we now?

Elder1: You are in the hall of the elders.

Penny: Huh? The elders?

Reese: So you brought us here...

*The five elders appear in front of the group*

Elder2: Indeed we did.

Blue: What's the meaning of this, elders?

Jawo': Yeah, why did you bring up back here?

Elder3: Oh, I think you should know...

Blue: Huh?

Elder4: We elders entrusted you with the task of protecting the four Guardian Statues from Kovah and his minions.

Elder5: But just recently, all four of them have been destroyed.

Elder1: You've failed in the task we placed upon you.

Elder2: And now thanks to you, the world...is at even greater risk than ever before.

Jawo': Hey! Cut us some slack, would you!?

Lilia: We tried our very best to protect the Guardian Statues!

Elder3: That may be. But in the end, your best...was not good enough.

Elder4: The destruction of the statues has allowed the condemned island below the waves to surface once again.

Elder5: Giving Kovah immediate access to the forbidden monolith that lies within.

Elder1: And it was your misaction that led to this tragedy that we now face.

Penny: Hmph. Do you old dodards ever get tired of putting us down?

Reese: That's no way to thank us for putting our lives on the line.

Jawo': I think maybe we should just quit and go home. Maybe then they'll know what it feels like to have the weight of the world on their shoulders.

Lilia: That's right! We traveled down a long and harsh road! How dare you make light of the hardships we've endured!

Blue: Guys, that's enough.

Jawo': What!?

Lilia: But Blue!

Blue: It's true. The elders trusted us with a task, and we failed at it.

Penny: Well don't you think we know that, Blue?

Reese: That doesn't mean we deserve all of this flack we're getting.

Blue: Maybe not, Reese. But we still have to accept the responsibility for our failure. And instead of standing here and complaining, we need to work to fix this. There's still time. We have to stop Kovah from reaching the monolith at all costs.

Elder2: You are quite right, Blue. At any rate, we did not bring you here to pass blame.

Elder3: But to warn you instead.

Jawo': Warn us?

Lilia: Of what?

Elder4: Of impending danger.

Elder5: For Reese in particular.

Reese: Huh? Me?

Elder1: That's correct. Even though the way to the monolith has opened once more...

Elder2: The monolith itself can only be unlocked by Reese and his key.

Penny: And Kovah has neither of those.

Jawo': If that's the case, then what exactly is the problem? Reese is right here with us. Safe and sound.

Elder3: I don't think you understand, young one.

Elder4: Reese is the only obstacle between himself and the Lunar Monolith.

Elder5: Meaning the he will do all in his power to get his hands on him.

Jawo': Well I understand that part. But even if Kovah somehow got Reese, what good would that do him? It's not like he could force Reese to unlock the monolith for him. Hah, that's just stupid.

Elder1: Hmm...you may have a point. But at any rate, Reese must be kept safe from Kovah's grip.

Elder2: And the only way to do that, is for you to defeat Kovah once and for all.

Blue: So, this is where we put an end to it, huh?

Elder3: Very much so.

Elder4: The time has come for you to face off against Kovah in one final battle.

Elder5: To determine the fate of the world itself.

Jawo': Heheh, the final showdown. Sounds like fun. I can't wait to show that creep what for.

Lilia: Uhm, but don't you think we should rest up first before we head out?

Blue: Yeah, after a battle like we just had, we could really use it.

Reese: So where should we go to rest?

Elder1: You could stay here and rest, if you like.

Penny: What!? On those hard wooden planks you call beds!? We'll be in even worse shape if we slept on those! Thanks, but no thanks.

Blue: Then what do you have in mind, Penny?

Penny: Hm...Oh! I know! We could go to my house!

Reese: Your house, Penny? But...what about your dad?

Blue: Yeah, I don't imagine he'll be too happy to see us.

Penny: Aw, don't worry about him. It'll be fine! Trust me!

Blue: Alright, if you say so.

Elder2: So, you wish to go to Ackland Town?

Blue: Hm. *nods* If you could send us there, that'd be great.

Elder3: Very well. It shall be done.

*The elders gather their energy together in preparation*

Elders: Teleport!!!

*The elders use their combined power to whisk the group away, sending them back to Penny's hometown of Ackland in a flash*

~~Meanwhile, in ??~~

*Deke returns to the dark palace after his confrontation with Blue's group. Grasping his wounds, he appears to be severly wounded*

Deke: *panting* Hah...ha....

Kovah: Hm?

Deke: Kovah...I've returned...

Kovah: Deke, what happened to you? Why are you so badly injured?

Deke: It was Blue...

Kovah: You ran into Blue's group as well?

Deke: Yes. And it appears that I underestimated their power...

Kovah: What do you mean? Are you saying that they are indeed formidable adversaries?

Deke: Unfortunately...this is true. Had I not made the decision to retreat, I surely would not have made it back here...

Kovah: Grr...blast. I had thought Prima was just inefficient, but it seems that they are a significant threat afterall. Curse you, Blue...

Deke: Although, on the brighter side of things...I did manage to destroy the final Guardian Statue.

Kovah: You did? Hah, excellent work, Deke.

Deke: And now the path to the monolith is yours to walk along. I know how you've long for this moment to come.

Kovah: It's true, I have been awaiting this moment. But our preparations are not yet complete. We are still lacking the most integral piece.

Deke: What is this 'integral piece' that you speak of?

Kovah: The boy. ...Reese...

Deke: Ah...I understand now. Without him, we cannot unlock the monolith, correct?

Kovah: And that is why we must acquire him as soon as possible.

Deke: Very well. I will apprehend him immediately.

Kovah: Deke, wait!

Deke: Hm?

Kovah: I cannot let you do that. Not in your condition.

Deke: Then what will you have us do, Kovah? Surely you cannot send Prima to handle such an important task.

Kovah: I know that. Hrrm...if only Shadow was here. Rrgh! Where has that lout run off to!?

Shadow: Did somebody call for me?

Kovah: Bwah?

*Shadow appears from behind a nearby pillar*

Kovah: Shadow!

Shadow: Your friendly neighborhood mercenary at your service!

Kovah: Shadow, you lousy sellsword! Where have you been all this time!?

Shadow: Eh, *shrugs* I've been around.

Kovah: *sternly* Wrong answer, mercenary...

Shadow: Oh come on, I couldn't have missed that much, could I?

Kovah: In your absense, we managed to do away with the remaining Guardian Statues.

Shadow: Already, huh? Wow! You guys must've been busy!

Kovah: Hmph. And no thanks to you.

Shadow: Hey hey. If I recall correctly, wasn't it me who took out half of those statues in under a week?

Kovah: Rrrrrgggggh!!! *clenches fist*

Shadow: *sweats* Eh heh heh...shutting up now.

*Shadow looks towards Deke*

Shadow: Whoa, hey buddy. What happened to you?

Deke: ...

Shadow: What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?

Deke: ...

Shadow: Oh...I get it. You got your butt whooped by Blue, didn't you?

Deke: Mmn...open your big mouth again, and I'll burn you to ashes.

*Deke engulfs his fist in flames*

Shadow: Yow! Calm down! I was only kidding!

Deke: Tsch.

Shadow: Sheesh, you bad guys really are a tough crowd. *rubs head*

Kovah: Enough lollygagging, Shadow. I have a task for you.

Shadow: A new gig? Woot! What is it this time?

Kovah: I need you...to locate and retrieve Reese. Bring him back here to me, alive.

Shadow: Hmm...sounds simple enough.

Kovah: Also, I want you to eliminate Blue's group once and for all. They must no be allowed to pursue us any further.

Shadow: Oh, that again, huh?

Kovah: Are there any problems?

Shadow: No! Not at all! Heck, I love going up against Blue and friends! It's my favorite past-time!

Kovah: Well it's about time you found a new hobby. Because this is the last time you'll ever face them.

Shadow: Really? Darn! *snaps fingers*

Kovah: Get going!!!

Shadow: Alright alright! Geez. No respect I tell ya.

*Shadow disappears in a whirlwind of leaves*

Deke: Well I see he's just as whimsical as ever...

Kovah: I don't care how flamboyant he is, so long as he fulfills my wishes without fail.

*Kovah looks upwards at the sky*

Kovah: Soon...very soon...