This story, and the characters in it, belong to me.
Previously on Star and Ember:
The Destroyer, and The Enchantress, have created the Synervian Liberation Force. Their two soldiers, The Tracker and The Siren, attacked Stareye and Embercore. Our two heroes were able to defeat their new foes, but The Destroyer and Enchantress left them with a haunting exclamation: Wrathenus has been put to slumber at their hands. Now, Stareye and Embercore are left to deal with this horrifying revelation.
3.1. The Villains Regroup.
At the Synervian Liberation Force's secret base, a green smoke appears in the Control Room. The smoke materializes into The Destroyer, Enchantress, Tracker, and Siren.
The Enchantress:
That could've gone better.
The Tracker:
Ya think? That was embarrassing!
The Destroyer walks to the middle of the room. There is a throne stationed there. He sits in it, and faces his team.
The Destroyer:
A temporary loss. The plan is still sound though.
The Destroyer raises his hand, and makes a fist. His fist gets covered in orange flames.
The Destroyer:
I can feel my power growing.
The Enchantress walks up the The Destroyer, and sits in his lap.
The Destroyer:
We must continue. I have an idea, but I need to find a way to implement it.
The Destroyer's eyes glow orange.
The Destroyer:
I'm getting a call. It's Stareye. Duty calls.
The Enchantress turns to The Tracker, and Siren.
The Enchantress:
Lie low for now, you two.
The Tracker, and Siren, nod their heads.
3.2. Seeing Red.
Wrathenus walks up to a group of people. They notice her. She waves at them. They feel nervous around her, and walk away. Wrathenus sulks. She sits in the ground. Tears start to fall from her eyes. Someone walks up to her. She looks up, and sees that it’s Embercore. Embercore sits down next to her. Wrathenus smiles. The two of them start talking.
Suddenly, Embercore is stirred by someone calling her name. She is sitting on the couch in the living room of Synervian Castle. Stareye is standing up, looking at her.
Stareye:
Ember?
Embercore blinks a couple of times.
Embercore:
Y-Yes?
Stareye:
I called Technodroid. He, and the Creation Crew, are on the way.
Embercore:
...Okay.
Embercore rubs her head.
Stareye:
Are you okay?
Embercore:
I was thinking about Wrathenus. I was remembering the time when we first became friends. Now, I have to tell her mate that she might be gone...
Stareye puts a hand on her shoulder.
Stareye:
Hey, after we get the castle fixed up, we’ll keep looking.
Embercore smiles. She stands up, and walks up to the giant hole in the wall of the living room. Stareye walks up to her. Outside, a Creation Crew van drives up to the castle. Technodroid, Redeye, Icecore, and the three members exit the vehicle. Technodroid walks up to the front of the group. He sees Embercore and Stareye. He starts to wave, but he stops. All five of them are shocked to see a giant hole in the wall of the castle. Embercore and Stareye wave back, and smile sheepishly.
Embercore:
H-Hi guys.
Technodroid:
What happened!?
Stareye:
That's a long story...
The Creation Crew join Embercore, and Stareye, in repairing the living room. While they work, Technodroid talks to Stareye and Embercore.
Technodroid:
So, what caused all of this?
Embercore:
I think you should sit down for this.
Technodroid looks puzzled. He walks to the couch, and sits down on it.
Technodroid:
What happened?
Stareye:
We were attacked last night-
Technodroid:
What!?
Stareye raises his hands.
Stareye:
We're alright, thankfully.
Technodroid:
How many where there?
Stareye:
They called themselves the "Synervian Liberation Force." There were four in total.
Embercore:
But, that's not what we wanted to tell you. We were told by two of our attackers that...
Embercore stops talking. Stareye turns to her. Technodroid notices the solemn look on their faces. Stareye puts a hand on Embercore's shoulder.
Stareye:
I'll tell him.
Embercore nods her head in approval. Stareye turns to Technodroid.
Stareye:
Two people, who called themselves "The Destroyer" and 'The Enchantress," told us that they put Wrathenus to slumber.
Slickshot, and the other crew members, stop working. They turn to face Stareye, Embercore, and Technodroid. A look of shock appears on Technodroid's face. He starts shaking his head in disbelief.
Technodroid:
No... No!
Tears start flowing from his eyes.
Technodroid:
Maybe they're lying... They have to be lying!
Stareye grabs Technodroid by the shoulders, and looks at him dead in the eyes.
Embercore:
We don't know for sure.
Stareye:
If Wrathenus is truly gone, then we will do everything in our power to stop them. We just want to repair our home first. That's a promise.
Techrodroid wipes the tears from his face, and nods his head.
Technodroid:
Okay...
Stareye:
Take a break. We'll continue the renovations.
Stareye turns to Embercore.
Stareye:
You should take a break too.
Embercore:
No. It'll be better for me to stay busy.
Stareye:
...Understood.
Redeye notices that his fellow Crew members were not working.
Redeye:
Let's get back to work, guys.
Everybody starts working again. Icecore helps Embercore in the back of the room where the window is, while Redeye helps Stareye near the wall of the room. Embercore leans down to Icecore.
Embercore:
Are you still having trouble?
Icecore turns her head away.
Icecore:
I can handle myself.
Embercore grows concerned.
Embercore:
If you need help, you can stay-
Icecore:
I'm fine, Ember. Really.
Embercore puts a hand on Icecore's shoulder.
Embercore:
Star and I are here to help.
Icecore:
With all due respect, you can't give me the help that I want.
Embercore's eyes widen.
Embercore:
What does that mean?
Icecore brushes Embercore's hand off of her shoulder. She turns around, and looks at Embercore in the eyes.
Icecore:
You don't have to read my mind to figure that out.
Embercore:
...We can't put people to slumber.
Icecore:
Then you can't help me.
Icecore turns away, and continue to help with the repairs. Embercore looks disappointed. Near the wall of the living room, Redeye turns to Stareye.
Redeye:
Is she really gone?
Stareye:
That's what our assailants told us. Like Tech said, I hope they're lying.
Fourth Crew Member:
I hope they're not.
Redeye looks down at Fourth Crew Member, who is kneeling down and fixing the wall.
Redeye:
Don't start.
The Fourth Crew Member forms a sly smile on his face as he continues to work. Redeye turns back to Stareye.
Redeye:
By the way, I don't think we've officially met.
Redeye extends his hand towards Stareye.
Redeye:
I'm Redeye.
Stareye smiles at him, and shakes his hand.
Stareye:
Nice to meet you.
Redeye lets go of Stareye's hand.
Redeye:
Can I ask you a question? It's kind of personal, though.
Stareye:
Go ahead.
Redeye:
How's your relationship with Ember?
Stareye:
Well...
Stareye looks away in order to gather his thoughts.
Stareye:
Despite Wrathenus' disappearance, and some... other stuff, I'm very happy. I think it's because...
Stareye's eyes widen.
Stareye:
We stick together, and support each other.
He turns to Redeye with a smile on his face.
Stareye:
If either of us is having trouble, we give each other encouragement to keep going.
Redeye:
Can you imagine being with anybody else?
Stareye shakes his head.
Stareye:
No. As Ember told me, we all have our destined Spirit- and Soul-Mates. She's mine, and I'm hers.
Redeye smiles, but it's a bittersweet smile.
Redeye:
I love your answer, but I must admit that I'm... envious.
A concerned look appears on Stareye's face.
Stareye:
Oh?
Redeye's smile fades, and a solemn look appears on his face.
Redeye:
Can I... ask you for a favor?
Stareye:
Of course.
Redeye:
I started seeing someone who I thought could've been my Soul-Mate, but she hasn't answered my calls or seen me in a while now. I wonder if...
Stareye:
If what?
Fourth Crew Member:
If his girl is cheating on him.
The Fourth Crew Member starts to laugh. Redeye turns around. His face changes to an angry expression.
Redeye:
This doesn't concern you.
The Fourth Crew Member stops working. He stands up, and gets in Redeye's face.
Fourth Crew Member:
Face it, Red: she doesn't love you. You can't trust those creatures of darkness. They're dangerous, and untrustworthy.
Redeye:
Shut up!
A smile forms across the Fourth Crew Member's face.
Fourth Crew Member:
The truth hurts, doesn't it? You're just too stupid to see it!
Stareye:
That's eno-
Redeye grabs the Fourth Crew Member by the throat, and lifts him up into the air!
Redeye:
If you won't shut your mouth, then I'll rip your jaw off!
Redeye puts his fingers in the Fourth Crew Member's mouth, grabs the inside of his jaw, and begins to pull it! The Fourth Crew Member starts to yell out in pain. He grabs Redeye's hand and tries to pull it out of his mouth, but to no avail. An evil smile forms across Redeye's face, and his eyes glow red. Everybody grabs onto Redeye's arms to try and release his grip.
Stareye:
Redeye, stop! You're hurting him!
Redeye's eyes stop glowing. He realizes what he's doing, and he lets go of the Fourth Crew Member. The two other Crew members check on the Fourth Crew Member, while Stareye, Embercore, Technodroid, and Icecore check on Redeye. Redeye looks at his hands, and then looks back at the Fourth Crew Member. He has a look of horror on his face.
Redeye:
I-I'm sorry! I've never-
Second Crew Member:
Save it, Red! You're just as much of a freak as those creatures of darkness are!
Redeye's face drops, and Icecore moves to the back of the group out of fear. Technodroid notices all of this. Embercore gets in the middle of the group.
Embercore:
That's enough!
The Second Crew Member gets in Embercore's face.
Second Crew Member:
No! Listen here, Ember: you're not as good of a leader as I thought you were.
Embercore's eyes widen.
Second Crew Member:
We're tired of dealing with the freaks, and traitors, on Synervia. You want to fix your castle? Do it yourself, you traitor!
Stareye gets in front of Embercore, and faces the Second Crew Member. He glares at him, but speaks in a calm voice.
Stareye:
Then leave.
Second Crew Member:
I'm not listening to you, freak.
Stareye steps forward, and stares directly into the Second Crew Member's eyes.
Stareye:
Leave.
The Second Crew Member back away a bit. Stareye continues glares at him. Embercore is surprised. She looks at Stareye, and then back at the three Crew members. She stands firm behind Stareye. The Second Crew Member turns his head to face the other two Crew members.
Second Crew Member:
Let's go, guys.
The three Crew members leave the castle. Stareye watches them leave. Afterwards, he turns to Redeye. However, Icecore walks up to Redeye.
Icecore:
Are you okay?
Redeye doesn't move.
Redeye:
I've never been that angry before...
Stareye walks up to Embercore.
Stareye:
Perhaps we should postpone the repairs?
Redeye:
No. We came here to help, and that's what we're going to do.
Embercore:
Are you sure?
Redeye forces a smile on his face.
Redeye:
I'll be fine. Oh, and Star, forget about my little request.
Stareye is surprised. Embercore is a bit suspicious.
Embercore:
Anything I should know about, Red?
Redeye:
No. Everything is fine.
Embercore:
...Okay, but if you need our help, please reach out to us.
Redeye nods his head, and goes back to the hole in the wall to continue the repairs. Stareye, and Embercore, turn to each other.
3.3. The Magnificent Six.
-Redeye calls his partner. She says she's busy, but Redeye catches her with a new lover.
Later on, Redeye is walking down the street. He lifts his right hand up, and his eyes turn red. A red flower appears in his hand. He puts his hand behind his back, and then his eyes project a red holographic screen. A woman appears on the screen. It's his partner.
Patner:
Hey Red.
Redeye:
Hey. Um... Are you free at the moment? I want to see you.
Partner:
I'm sorry, babe. I'm not available at the moment.
Redeye stops walking. He lifts head up, and closes his eyes. He calms dow, and then lowers his head. He opens his eyes again. There's a look of disappointment on his face.
Redeye:
Okay. What's going on?
Partner:
What do you mean?
Redeye:
I haven't seen you in a while. Every time I want to, you say that you're unavailable. What's going on?
Partner:
I'm just busy. Look, we'll hang out later. I-I promise.
Redeye:
...Okay.
Partner:
Great! I'll see you later.
The call ends. On the partner's side, she is standing near the front door of her house. A man walks up behind her, and hug her. It's her new lover.
Lover:
You should've told him about us.
Partner:
I know, I know. I'm feeling... a lot of emotions right now.
Lover:
I understand. Two creatures of darkness getting together is a bit taboo.
Lover:
But, I want to make it work.
She turns around to face her lover.
Partner:
I'm going to tell Red when I see him again.
They kiss each other on the lips. Then, they hear a male voice.
Male Voice:
Hey!
The couple turns around. They see Redeye looking at them in a state of shock, and anger.
Lover:
Red!
The partner puts her hands on her mouth.
Lover:
So, you're Redeye?
Redeye:
Yeah! Who are you?
Lover:
She doesn't want to see you anymore, creature of light.
Redeye's eyes widen.
Redeye:
Excuse me!?
The partner gets in front of her lover, and puts her hands on his chest.
Partner:
Wait a minute!
She turns around, and faces Redeye.
Partner:
I'm sorry, Red. I want to be with my own kind.
Redeye:
But... I never did anything wrong to you. I don't care about you being a water elemental. I thought we could've been mates.
Partner:
We haven't had the Spirit-Soul Connection yet, so it looks like we're not meant to be... I'm glad that we're not. Goodbye.
Redeye is left speechless. The partner turns around, and begins to walk away. Redeye reaches out, and grabs her by the arm.
Redeye:
Let's talk about-
The lover grabs Redeye's arm, and forces his hand off of the woman's arm. Redeye tries to force his arm free, but the man punches him in the cheek. Redeye falls to the ground.
Lover:
Stay away from her!
Redeye rubs his cheek.
Partner:
Babe, stop! Let him go.
Redeye gets to his feet.
Lover:
Get out of here.
Redeye glares at the lover. He makes a fist, and his eyes turn red.
Partner:
Red, please! Just go.
Redeye shakes his head. His eyes return to normal, and he grabs his fist. He turns around, and walks away. The partner, now Redeye's ex, grabs her new lover and pulls him inside her home. As he's walking away, Redeye's eyes turn red again and he lifts up his hand. Flames appear in them, and they morph into the flower that he had before. He crushes it in his hand, and throws it to the ground. He walks away, and the flower turns into flames and disappears. Then, Redeye's eyes glow red again and a holographic screen appears in front of him. Slickshot is on the screen.
Slickshot:
Hey Red. I'm not interrupting you, am I?
Redeye:
...No... Not at all.
Slickshot:
Great. I want to talk to you about something.
Concurrently, in another part of Synervia, Icecore is walking home. At an alleyway, three women appear out of the darkness and surround her. Despite the danger, Icecore has an expressionless face. The leader of the group walks up to her with an evil smile.
Gang Leader:
Hey, Ice. Looks like we've finally found you.
Icecore:
I suppose it's useless to ask you to just let me go home?
Gang Leader:
You already know the answer to that.
Icecore:
I moved twice already. Just leave me alone.
Gang Leader:
You don't get it, do ya? We don't care where you run to. We want to put you to slumber, freak!
Icecore's eyes turn white. The gang leader punches her in the head, and the other two women gran her by her arms. The gang leader grabs Icecore's head by her hair, and lifts her head up.
Gang Leader:
Uh uh uh. No disappearing tricks.
Icecore:
I can't believe that we use to be friends.
Gang Leader:
Me neither. We're not making that mistake again.
The gang leader raises a fist. Then, a female voice pierces the sky.
Female Voice:
Hey! Try picking on someone your own size!
Everyone looks up to the sky. Eviscera lands on the ground in front of Icecore, and her eyes are glowing pink. A pink tornado rises up from the ground. It traps the three women inside, and drops them to the ground.
Eviscera:
Get out of here, or I'll sing you a song that will cut your head off!
The three women turn around, and run away. Once they disappear from sight, Eviscera turns around and helps Icecore to her feet.
Icecore:
Thanks, Evi.
Eviscera:
Are you alright?
Icecore:
It's nothing... I'm not used to...
Eviscera:
You shouldn't be "used to" this. This has to stop.
Icecore:
Well... W-What can you do about it?
Eviscera:
I'm glad you asked...
A yellow car pulls up to The Den. Redeye gets out of the car, and then the car disappears. He heads inside the building. Slickshot, and Eviscera, are sitting at a table. Eviscera is sitting in Slickshot's lap. They are talking to Icecore, who is standing in front of them. She has her back to the entrance. The three of them turn to the entrance, and notice Redeye walking towards them. Slickshot and Eviscera smile at him.
Slickshot:
Ah. Red. You made it.
Redeye walks up to Icecore's left side. She notices that he is upset.
Icecore:
What's wrong?
Redeye:
...I saw my partner kissing another man.
All three of them are shocked. Icecore, who usually has a deadpan expression, is showing concern.
Icecore:
But, I thought for sure that you two were gonna be mates.
Redeye:
I thought we were as well, but she didn't want to be with a creature of light.
Everyone goes silent. Redeye clenches his fist.
Redeye:
I thought I finally had a chance at love, but she lied and left me...
Icecore:
...It might not mean much, but I'm sorry.
Redeye's eyes widen. He's taken by surprise by Icecore's sudden comment. He turns to her.
Redeye:
...Thank you. Despite your cold demeanor, I'm glad you tend to show your empathetic side every once and a while.
Icecore blushes. She turns her head away.
Icecore:
I don't wish for people to suffer. I just wish people would give me the same courtesy.
Redeye turns his head away. An irritated expression appears on his face.
Redeye:
I wish I punched that guy when I had the chance...
Redeye makes a fist, and clenches it. Slickshot, and Eviscera, notice this. They look at each other, smile, and turn back to Redeye and Icecore. They stand up from their table, and approach them.
Slickshot:
In that case, I'm glad you decided to join us. Evi, and I, can help you get revenge on your ex.
Redeye turns to Slickshot.
Redeye:
"Revenge?"
Slickshot smiles at him.
Slickshot:
That's what you want, isn't it? To get back at the woman who betrayed you?
Redeye ponders to himself, trying to understand what he wants. Then, his eyes glow red.
Redeye:
Yes... I want power... to hurt those who've inflicted me, and become impervious to attack...
Eviscera turns to Icecore.
Eviscera:
And what do you want, Ice?
Ice turns to Eviscera.
Icecore:
I... I want... I want to be safe...
Eviscera:
We will also help you to get rid of those girls who've been bullying you. Unlike Ember, we will solve your problem permanently.
Icecore's eyes widen. She looks down, and closes her eyes to prevent herself from crying. Eviscera hugs her.
Eviscera:
That's a promise.
Redeye is surprised to see Icecore's sudden show of emotion. Then, he turns to Slickshot.
Redeye:
I'm in.
Icecore leans her head up, and turns to Redeye. She sees the eagerness in his face. Then, she turns to Eviscera.
Icecore:
Me too.
Both Slickshot, and Eviscera, smile.
Slickshot:
Welcome to the Synervian Liberation Force. Your training starts now.
At her home, Redeye's ex and her lover are lying asleep in bed together. Then, they hear knocking near the entrance of the bedroom. The two of them wake up, and look towards the doorway.
Lover:
what was that?
Two eyes appear out of the darkness of the hallway.
Ex:
Who's there?
Redeye appears out of the darkness. He is wearing a yellow, and red, super-villain suit. There are two syring-looking objects on his back. They are called inducers. Redeye leans against the entrance to the room, and crosses his arms.
Ex:
Red!? What are you doing here?
Redeye smiles.
Redeye:
You know, I contemplated about what happened earlier. At first, I felt betrayed. Then, after some... let's say encouragement, from my friends, I decided that I couldn't let you two get away with what you did to me.
The lover gets out of bed, and begins to walk up to Redeye.
Lover:
You need to get out of here.
Redeye straightens up.
Redeye:
Not before I show you two a little trick that I've learned from my friends.
The lover stops. The plungers of the inducers go down, and Redeye's eyes turn red. His body becomes extremely muscular, and his head turns into yellow fire! His red eyes, and mouth, are showing through the flames. An evil smile forms on Redeye's face, and he stares directly at the lover. Both the lover's, and the ex's, faces have a look of shock on them. Redeye's fist turns into red fire. He thrusts his fist upwards, and punches a hole right through the lover's chest! The lover gasps, and the ex starts to scream.
Redeye:
That's payback for that swing you took at me.
Redeye retracts his fist from the lover's chest, and his body falls to the ground. The ex gets out of bed, and tries to run away. However, Redeye grabs her by her hair and raises her in the air. He turns her around so that he can look at her directly in the face.
Redeye:
I bet you're regretting your decision right now, aren't you?
Redeye begins to laugh.
Ex:
I-I-I'm... s-sorry...
Redeye:
Oh. Now, you're sorry?
Redeye shakes his head.
Redeye:
It's too late now.
Redeye grabs her by the neck, and begins to rip her head off. The ex screams, but her head gets ripped right off of her shoulders! Her body turns into an orb, and so does her lover's. Redeye collects the two orbs, and leaves the building. Meanwhile, Icecore is walking home again. As she approaches the alleyway, she hears a female voice.
Unknown Female Voice:
You just don't learn your lesson, do ya?
Two flames appear in front of Icecore, and they manifest into the gang leader and the second member. behind Icecore, a mud puddle appears. The mud morphs into the third member of the gang.
Gang Leader:
You should've never come back here.
Icecore smiles.
Icecore:
On the contrary, you should've stayed away from me because I have you right where I want you...
Icecore's eyes turn white, and she extends one of her hands. Water covers her body, and materializes into her super-villain suit. Two portals appear around the gang leader's body: one around her neck, and the another around her torso. Icecore closes her hand. Then, the portals shrink and cut the gang leader's body into three pieces! The two remaining gang members have a look of horror on their faces. Icecore's eyes glow white. Water forms in both of her hands, and they manifest into two pistols. She aims the right pistol at the second gang member. A white ice shard is shot out of the gun, and enters the head of the gang member. She falls to the ground. Icecore turns around, and stares at the third gang member. She has a sadistic smile on her face. The gang member is terrified. Then, Icecore disappears. The gang member is confused, and looks around. Icecore does not return. Seeing her chance, the gang member turns around and tries to run away. Then, Icecore appears in front of her. One of her pistols is on the abdomen of the gang member. The pistol fires water onto her, and her body begins to melt! Her legs disintegrate. Her eyes glow, and she tries to heal herself. Then, the water on her body turns into ice. She tries to crawl away, but the rest of her body gets covered in water and freezes. Icecore walks up to her. She raises her foot, and stomps down on her head! Her head is shattered into pieces. The rest of the gang member's body follows suite. Her body transforms into an orb. The bodies of the two remaining gang members turn into orbs as well. Icecore collects them.
Behind her, red flames appear. They materialize into Redeye. He is holding his two orbs in his hands. Icecore turns around, and smiles at him. She lifts up the three orbs she collected.
Icecore:
I'm up by one.
Redeye smiles back.
Redeye:
For now.
Green smoke appears behind Redeye. He turns around, and Icecore walks up to him. The smoke materializes into The Tracker and The Siren in the front, and The Destroyer and Enchantress behind them. Redeye hands his orbs to The Tracker, and Icecore hands hers to The Siren.
The Destroyer:
You pass the test, you two. However, there's one more mission I want you two to help us with.
3.3. Severing Ties.
At the Creation Crew station, the three members are trying to adjust to what happened. The Third, and Fourth, Crew Members are sitting at their table.
Third Crew Member:
How's your jaw?
The Fourth Crew Member rubs his jaw.
Fourth Crew Member:
It's starting to feel better.
The Third Crew Member sighs, and shakes his head. The Second Crew Member walks up to them, and sits down at the table.
Second Crew Member:
On the bright side, we're free of Wrathenus and this station has no more creatures of darkness in it.
Third Crew Member:
Next are the traitors.
Fourth Crew Members:
Like Slickshot, and Redeye.
An Unknown Voice:
Are you sure about that?
The three crew members turn to the entrance. There's someone standing in the open doorway, hidden in the shadows. The Second Crew Member stands up from the table.
Second Crew Member:
Who is that?
The figure steps forward. It's Redeye. The right half of his body is covered in the darkness. The three Crew members become nervous.
Second Crew Member:
What do you want, Redeye?
Redeye smiles, and rubs his chin.
Redeye:
What do I want? All I wanted was for everyone to get along, and find my true love. In the end, I'm called a traitor and betrayed...
Redeye starts to laugh. He laughs so hard that he wraps his arms around his abdomen, and leans forward. The three Crew members are confused about Redeye's response, and are a bit nervous.
Second Crew Member:
...W-We're sorry, Red. Maybe we can talk this out?
Redeye stops laughing, and leans up.
Redeye:
...The time for talking is over. Now is the time for action.
He walks forward, revealing his super-villain suit. The three Crew members are confused. The plungers on the inducers go down, and Redeye's body transforms into a muscular one. His head turns into yellow flames again. He punches the Second Crew Member in the face! His body flies back so hard that he hits the table. The table flips over, and pins the other two Crew members to the floor. The Second Crew Member lands on the top of the table on his back, and then slides down to the floor. Behind Redeye, mist appears. It manifests into Icecore. The Second Crew Member looks up, and sees Redeye standing above him.
Redeye:
A "freak," am I?
He leans down, and grabs the Second Crew Member by the neck.
Redeye:
Let me to show you just how freaky I can get!
He flips the Second Crew Member upwards, and catches him by his legs. Then, he rips the man's body completely in half! Redeye turns to Icecore with a smile on his face.
Redeye:
Now, we're even.
Icecore:
For now.
Underneath the table, the two remaining Crew members are freaking out. They try to free themselves, but the Third Crew Member is dragged from underneath the table. He is being help in the air upside down by Redeye.
Icecore:
Hold him steady.
Icecore's eyes glow, and she extends her right hand forward. A portal surrounds the torso of the Crew member. The top half of his body disappears. Icecore extends her left hand towards Redeye. Another portal appears on the left side of Redeye. The upper torso of the Crew member reappears through the portal. The Crew member starts to beg.
Third Crew Member:
NO! WAIT!
Icecore closes her hand, and the two portals shrink and cut the Third Crew Member's body in half! The upper torso of the Crew member falls to the ground. Redeye drops the Crew member's legs, and kicks them to his left. The legs bump into the upper severed torso of the Third Crew Member. Underneath the table, the Fourth Crew Member is losing his mind.
Fourth Crew Member:
This can't be happening... This can't be happening...
The table is lifted off of the Fourth Crew Member's body. He looks up, and sees Redeye lifting the table above his own head with one hand. Redeye tosses the table to the left, and leans down towards the Fourth Crew Member.
Redeye:
We saved the best, or should I say worst, for last! I would finish you off myself, but I have orders to follow.
Redeye leans up. Green smoke appears, and it manifests into The Enchantress, Destroyer, Tracker, and Siren. They walk over to Redeye, and see the Fourth Crew Member on the ground.
The Enchantress:
Well, well, well. I always wanted to see you in this position.
She leans down, and stares at him.
The Enchantress:
On her hands and knees, looking up at me with a pathetic look on your face.
The Enchantress' hair turns into tentacles. They grab the Crew member by his abdomen, and lift him up. They also grab his limbs, and stretch them out. The Enchantress extends her hand, and her eyes glow blue. An ice knife forms in her hand. She puts it in front of the Fourth Crew Member's face.
The Enchantress:
No matter what I did, you always bullied me and called me a "freak..."
The Crew Member's eyes bulge out of his eyes. He knows who she is.
The Enchantress:
Call this... retribution!
She cuts off his right arm! He starts to scream.
The Enchantress:
Oh yes! Scream louder! I've waited so long for this!
The Tracker's head transforms into a Prowler's head. He bites down on the Crew member's left arm, and rips it off! Icecore's eyes glow, and she extends her hand out towards the Crew member. A portal appears around the Crew member's right leg. It shrinks, and cuts the leg off! The Crew member screams from the pain, but The Enchantress laughs at his pain.
Fourth Crew Member:
I'm sorry...
The Enchantress leans towards him.
The Enchantress:
What was that? I can't hear you.
Fourth Crew Member:
I'M SORRY!
The Enchantress:
Please! I know you're not sorry. How many times did I apologize whenever my powers went awry, and you and your friends still made fun of me!?
She lifts her knife up to the Crew member's left leg, and cuts it off! Then, her tentacles drop the Crew member to the ground. Redeye walks up to him, and grabs the back of his head. Then, he puts his hand in his mouth and grabs the inside of his jaw.
Redeye:
I want to finish what I started. Now, give me that mouth!
Redeye rips the Crew member's jaw off! The Crew member tries to scream, but he can only make moans. Everyone starts to laugh at him. The Destroyer's eyes glow orange. He reaches down, and grabs the head of the Crew member. His body glows orange briefly. Then, The Destroyer lets go of the Crew member and leans back up. The Crew member looks confused. His own eyes glow in order to try to heal his body, but his body doesn't heal. He starts to panic.
The Destroyer:
Wondering why your body isn't healing? Well, my powers are preventing your body from doing so.
He bends down, and grabs the Crew member. He lifts him above his head.
The Destroyer:
We are the Synervian Liberation Force. Anyone who gets in our way will be put to slumber, whether you are a creature of light or darkness!
The Destroyer rips the Crew member's body in half! The bodies of the three Crew members turn into orbs. The Enchantress collects them, and looks at them.
The Enchantress:
I tried so hard to get along with you. Now, your spirit orbs belong to me.
A thought occurs to The Destroyer. He turns to The Enchantress.
The Destroyer:
I know how to implement my plan now.
3.4. Surprise Attack.
Back at the Synervian Castle, the wall of the living room is finally repaired. In said room, Embercore and Stareye review the evidence that they have of the Synervian Liberation Force. Stareye's eyes glow white, and a holographic screen appears in front of them.
Stareye:
Okay. Here's what we know so far: The Synervian Liberation Force, or SLF, are made up of four members.
A picture of The Destroyer, and The Enchantress, appears on the screen.
Stareye:
The Destroyer, and Enchantress, seem to be the leaders. They, probably, put Wrathenus to slumber. This is according to The Enchantress. This could be wrong, but we don't know.
Another picture appears on the screen. It depicts The Tracker, and Siren.
Stareye:
Then, we have The Tracker and The Siren. These seem to be subordinate to The Destroyer and Enchantress, doing the latter's dirty work.
Then, profile pictures of the four individuals appear on the screen.
Stareye:
For now, the identities of our four felons remain anonymous. They are wearing suits that are similar to ours. I don't know how they obtained the design for it yet, but I'm determined to find out. Interestingly, the SLF includes members that are not just fire and earth elementals. Admittedly, this makes their possible motive difficult to determine.
Embercore:
What did Wrathenus, and Technodroid, do to deserve being attacked?
Stareye:
Perhaps, it was the incident at the Creation Crew station? Maybe our suspects were present at the scene, and decided to take Technodroid and Wrathenus down because of that?
Embercore:
The three suspects I had in mind were innocent, so it could've been anyone present at the time.
Stareye's eyes glow white again. He's getting a call. The screen changes to having Technodroid on it.
Technodroid:
Hey guys.
Stareye:
Hey Tech. Is everything alright?
Technodroid:
Don't worry. I'm feeling better. However, I do have a problem.
Embercore:
What is it?
Technodroid:
I tried to call the Creation Crew members, but I've received no response from them.
Stareye:
Maybe they just need some space?
Technodroid:
I understand that, but I want to keep things in order for Wrathenus. Plus, I feel that I need to apologize for what happened. Can you guys help me out?
Stareye:
Of course.
Technodroid:
Perfect. I'm at the Creation Crew station.
The call ends. Later on, Embercore's vehicle drives up to the workshop. Technodroid is standing outside the building. Embercore and Stareye exit the car, and the car disappears. The two of them walk up to Technodroid.
Embercore:
Are they inside?
Technodroid:
I guess so. I didn't want to do this without you guys.
Technodroid opens the door, and the three of them enter the building. Nobody is inside. Everything is in order.
Technodroid:
Where is everybody?
In front of them, red flames appear and materialize into a muscular man. He is wearing a yellow and red super-villain suit, and two inducers are in his back. His body is muscular, and his head is made out of flames. Behind them, water comes out of the ground and morphs into a woman. She's wearing a black and white suit, and a mask that covers her face as well. She stands in the middle of the doorway. Stareye gets in front of Technodroid, and Embercore gets behind Technodroid. They transform into their superhero suits, and raise their fists. The male super-villain's eyes glow red. Then, multiple clones of him appear and align against the walls of the room. They are wearing masks and do not have the inducers on their backs, so they are not as muscular as the original. They stop materializing when they meet the female super-villain.
Male Super-villain:
Ah. Stareye, and Embercore. We finally meet.
Technodroid:
Who are these guys!?
General Multiplyer:
Allow us to introduce ourselves. I am "General Multiplyer," the one-man army. These other versions of me are my clones.
The Teleporter:
And, I am "The Teleporter." Now you see me.
The Teleporter disappears.
The Teleporter:
Now, you don't.
She reappears again.
Stareye:
Are you part of the Synervian Liberation Force?
General Multiplyer walks forward a bit.
General Multiplyer:
Indeed we are, Stareye. And, we have been charged with putting you and Embercore to slumber.
Technodroid's eyes grow wider.
Technodroid:
You mean... You guys are the ones who attacked me, and Wrathenus!?
Both General Multiplyer, and Teleporter, laugh.
The Teleporter:
Yes, but the true culprits would be The Enchantress and Destroyer. Multiplyer and I, on the other hand, had the pleasure of helping to put your Creation Crew teammates to slumber.
Technodroid frowns, and his eyes glow orange. Then, he bears his teeth. Stareye turns his head back to Technodroid, and sees the rage on his face.
Stareye:
Tech, calm down.
General Multiplyer:
Yes, Technodroid. Relax. Besides, you three are about to join Wrathenus anyway.
Technodroid runs towards General Multiplyer. He pushes Stareye out of the way. Stareye regains his composure.
Stareye:
Tech, no!
Stareye tries to grab Technodroid's arm. General Multiplyer leaps towards Stareye, and cranks back a fist. His fist turns into a fiery one. Then, he shoves his fist forward and punches Stareye right in the head! Stareye flies backwards. Embercore turns around, and tries to catch Stareye. A portal appears in front of Embercore, and it sucks in Stareye!
Embercore:
Star!
Teleporter laughs. General Multiplyer's fiery fist returns to normal. Then, he grabs Technodroid and Embercore by their throats and throws them at the back wall. They fall to the ground. Embercore and Technodroid look up, and see Multiplyer and Teleporter walking up to them. Embercore puts a hand on Technodroid's shoulder.
Embercore:
Get behind me.
She tries to get up. Suddenly, both Embercore's and Technodroid's eyes turn green. Technodroid's body gets covered in blue ice, and is frozen to the ground. Embercore is being hit with a psychic attack. She puts her hands on her head, and goes back down on the ground. Green smoke appears in front of her, and it materializes into The Enchantress.
The Enchantress:
Stay right there, Ember.
Embercore:
You again!
The Enchantress:
That's right. I never properly introduced myself to you last time, didn't I? Call me "The Enchantress."
Embercore:
I swear... that I will... take you down... for Wrathenus!
The Enchantress laughs.
The Enchantress:
Oh, my dear! I share the same sentiment about you... Albeit, for different reasons.
Embercore gets frustrated.
The Enchantress:
Aw. You look so cute with that angry face you're making.
She extends her arm forward, and rubs Embercore's cheek with her hand. Suddenly, Embercore's body gets covered in blue ice. She tries to break free, but her strength is failing her.
The Enchantress:
What we have started cannot be undone, Ember. Soon, everything that you have will be mine.
The Enchantress' eyes glow brighter, and her psychic attack on Embercore grows stronger. Embercore screams in pain. Outside the building, a portal appears. Stareye flies out of it, and lands on the ground. He gets to his feet, and looks around. He rubs his head, still feeling the effects of Multiplyer's punch.
Stareye:
What was that!?
He notices that he is outside, and that Embercore and Technodroid are nowhere to be found. He turns around, and sees the entrance to the station.
Stareye:
Guys!
Stareye runs towards the station. When he enters the building, he sees Technodroid attending to Embercore. She is lying face-first on the floor. Stareye run up to them. He kneels down next to Embercore, and rolls her over.
Stareye:
Ember?
Embercore slowly opens her eyes. Stareye makes a sigh of relief.
Stareye:
Are you okay?
Stareye helps her up to her feet. She puts a hand on her head.
Embercore:
A little beaten up, but I'm alright.
Stareye:
What happened?
Embercore:
The Enchantress. She froze Technodroid, and hit me with a psychic attack.
Technodroid looks defeated.
Technodroid:
First Wrathenus, and now my Crew teammates. This is all my fault.
Stareye:
I feel like I let you down, too. We're no closer to stopping these people, and they keep getting away with these crimes.
Embercore puts her hand on Stareye's left shoulder.
Embercore:
Hey, I'm not going to give up. As for right now, I think we should leave before we get attacked again.
Stareye:
Yeah.
Embercore turns to Technodroid.
Embercore:
You should stay with us for a little bit, Tech. I don't want anything to happen to you.
Technodroid nods his head.
Technodroid:
Yeah. I'm fine with that.
The three of them begin to leave the building. Concurrently, on a screen at their base, The Enchantress, Tracker, Siren, Multiplyer, and Teleporter watch the trio leave.
The Enchantress:
Now, we begin the expansion.
3.5. Stareye's Dream.
Stareye, Embercore, and Technodroid land back at Synervian Castle. They enter the building, and Stareye and Embercore transform back into their regular clothes. Technodroid sits on the couch.
Technodroid:
Is it me, or has everything been going wrong as of late?
Stareye:
I think it has.
Embercore turns to Stareye. He still has a look of disappointment on his face. She rubs his back.
Embercore:
I think you should go rest for a bit, Star. We've been working nonstop.
Stareye:
No. I need to focus on find a solu-
Embercore puts a hand on his cheek. She turns Stareye around to face her. Her eyes glow green, and so do Stareye's.
Embercore:
You're frustrated. You won't be able to think straight when you're mad. Just go take a nap okay?
Stareye:
...I will take a nap.
Both of their eyes stop glowing, and return to normal. Embercore smiles.
Embercore:
Good. I'm going to join you to make sure you do that.
Embercore turns to Technodroid.
Embercore:
We'll be back in a bit.
Technodroid:
Roger that.
Embercore and Stareye walk up the stairs to the bedroom. Later on, Stareye and Embercore sleep in their bed. Embercore's hand is on Stareye's chest. Her hand begins to glow green. Stareye starts to have a nightmare. In his dream, he sees a woman standing in front of him in the distance. Her back is turned to him, but she resembles Embercore. Stareye reaches out to her. Suddenly, the ground cracks and crumbles underneath him. He starts falling. He tries to fly, but he can't for some reason. He lands in a large body of water. He tries to swim out of it, but he can't. Underneath the water, something is watching him. A purple tentacle swims up, and wraps around his legs. Stareye is pulled under the water! He extends his hands to freeze the water, but he can't. He reaches down to grab the tentacle. He then sees two giant eyes glowing from below. One of them is green, while the other is yellow. Stareye tries to rip off the tentacle, but it's no use. Another tentacle appears. It's yellow. It grabs the purple tentacle, and rips it in half! The remaining purple tentacle goes back down. The yellow tentacle grabs Stareye, and takes him to the surface. Once he breaches the surface, Stareye gets a good look at the creature that is rescuing him. It's a yellow Octo-Serpent. It puts Stareye on the top of its head. Stareye goes on his hands and knees, and tries to relax.
On the opposing side of the two, the water bursts. Another Octo-Serpent, a purple one, appears. It confronts Stareye and the yellow Octo-Serpent. It charges at the yellow one. The yellow Octo-Serpent grabs Stareye with one of its tentacles, and puts him behind it. Then, it charges at the purple Octo-Serpent. The two serpents collide! Their tentacle mouths bite and rip into each other. Stareye hangs on to the yellow tentacle keeping him safe. the purple octo-snake grans the yellow one by the head, and throws it into the water. One of its tentacles grabs Stareye. Another one grabs the yellow tentacle holding Stareye, and bisects it! The purple serpent opens its mouth, and Stareye is dragged inside...
Stareye wakes up, and leans straight up! He gasps.
Embercore:
Star, relax! It's just a bad dream.
She puts a hand on his cheek, and turns his head around to face her. She's not in the bed, and is standing up.
Embercore:
You're okay, honey.
Stareye closes his eyes, and calms down. He opens them again, and nods his head. Embercore removes her hand from his cheek.
Stareye:
It felt so real! I saw you, and there was-
Embercore:
Don't worry. It wasn't real. I'm right here.
Stareye nods his head, and lies back down.
Stareye:
Yeah... yeah.
Embercore:
Now, relax. Wrathenus and Technodroid are waiting for us downstairs.
Stareye's eyes widen. He leans up, and faces Embercore.
Stareye:
...Who's waiting for us?
Embercore forms a confused smile on her face.
Embercore:
Wrathenus and Technodroid, silly.
Stareye:
...Wrathenus is... missing, Ember. Don't you remember?
Female Voice:
No I'm not.
Stareye's ears perk up. He recognizes that voice. He turns to the doorway, and he sees Wrathenus and Technodroid standing there. Stareye's eyes widen again, and his mouth drops.
Wrathenus:
I'm right here.
Embercore:
Sorry guys. Star had a nightmare.
Stareye gets out of bed, and walks to Wrathenus. He pokes her shoulder. She's real! Everyone else is a bit concerned.
Wrathenus:
I'm real, Star. Trust me.
Stareye can't believe it.
Stareye:
You're real...
A smile forms on his face.
Stareye:
You're back...
He turns to Embercore.
Stareye:
She's back!
Stareye wraps his arms around Wrathenus' and Technodroid' necks.
Stareye:
We're all together again!
Wrathenus and Technodroid look at each other in confusion.
Technodroid:
Yes, Star. We've always been together.
Stareye:
"Always?"
Stareye lets go of them. Technodroid pats him on the head.
Technodroid:
Yep. Always.
Wrathenus:
When did I ever leave?
Stareye tries to remember the incident, but he's drawing a blank.
Stareye:
You... I... I don't remember.
Wrathenus:
That's because I never left.
Stareye runs back to Embercore. He grabs her around her waist, and lifts her up in excitement.
Stareye:
I'm sorry for scaring you guys! So, what did we plan to do?
End of episode 3.
