SEPTEMBER, 30TH 2561
8:00AM

SIRCA, L-Base
Lactan region

Nick woke up from his long slumber, where he had a small nightmare. In his nightmare he found himself inside what appeared to be a large throne room. Omega symboled banners surrounded him as he looked up from a red carpeted floor. Around him he saw CT, York and Wash on the floor, unconscious. He could feel immense anger but couldn't figure out why. There was another chupa there too, red haired and blackish fur with a feminine build. Perhaps this was this Tex they were talking about? Who knows. All he remembered next was that he was in UFV2, and yelled angrily at this chupa in armor on the throne in this throne room. As Nick moved to the edge of the bed he felt his back, noticing something was missing.

Nick raised an eyebrow in confusion. Where was his sword? That thing usually never left his side. Even near death it never went far. Nick then heard what sounded like metal clashing with plasma not too far from where he was. Nick jumped out of bed quickly and ran to the room next to his. Finding Tucker and Grif dueling with HIS sword and Tucker's energy sword. The moment Nick spotted his sword in Grif's Hands he yelled. "Hey! Drop that right now! That's not a toy! That's perhaps one of the most deadliest weapons in the universe you're swinging around like a toy right now!" Grif turned to Nick's attention and dropped the sword almost immediately in fear. Nick gave them both a serious look as he walked over and picked up his sword, finding his sheath nearby. Nick then put the sheath back on and sheathed his sword.

Grif stood astounded. How did Nick know that sword was that dangerous? Perhaps it was more than just any old normal sword from the old stories he read as a child. Tucker, on the other hand, was upset by Nick disturbing them. "Really man? You're a buzzkill." Tucker remarked as Nick snapped to look at him. "Dude, that sword can cut through LITERALLY anything. If that orange guy really wanted to, he could have cut your tail clean off without any effort. And don't even try to cut it with your energy sword, it'll go right through it with no effort at all. As I assume you've discovered." Nick also remarked as he regained his posture. "Yeah, it was kinda weird to see that your sword passed through the plasma with no effort." Tucker said, curious. "Well I can tell you that I've cut through mountains with just the blade. If you add SOUL energy on top of it, it'll cut through the whole base with no effort at all." Nick said as he walked out, needing to report to CT for today's mission.
Grif and Tucker looked at each other for a moment before going back to their respective rooms.

As Nick walked through the base, he felt a sense of safety among all these unfamiliar chupas. Even though they weren't human, he felt that he needed to fight for them, just like he did for humanity back on earth. Teardrop chimed in with some news. "Hello Nicholas, I just received a message from Kylaine wishing you good luck on your journey. And she says that Zander misses you very much." Nick felt slightly bad about leaving his family for this long. But it was needed, if an entire civilization needed his help he'd be there. It was in his duty after all, after defending humanity countless times from world-ending threats he and his team became globally recognized. It was no different here, except fighting against what CT and the others called a "literal god" was no effort Nick had pulled off before.

Nick walked towards the cafeteria spotting Rookie mingling about the other chupas in his chupa form. Nick stepped inside, and as he did so everyone turned to look at him. Not only did he survive fighting a werewolf, he almost showed no signs of permanent injury. A feat no other freelancer or resistance member had achieved. To the others, Nick was some sort of beast, someone who could just get back up after getting beaten to near death.

"Heya Rookie, how are you doin' this morning?" Nick said, walking up behind him. Rookie turned to face him. "Oh hey Nick, I see your healed from your wounds. And this quickly too. Kinda.. Scary." He said, slightly timid. "Oh don't worry, this is just an effect of my SOUL energy. Wounds usually heal quicker for me than most people. Allowing me to get back to the fight faster." Nick said, cracking his neck.

Even Rookie knew what today was. Today was the day they were finally going to finish this fight that the resistance started. CT and the others had been planning this for a long while. And Nick and Rookie were the perfect additions to the roster to help. And with Nick and Rookie's extensive combat history it was a match made in heaven. CT, York and Wash stood around the planning table as they looked at a holographic version of Omega's compound. "Ok, according to our scouts, HADES troop emplacements are dotting the place. Meaning our assault will be met with heavy resistance." Wash said calmly as he went over his notes. "Even when the high priests are meeting omega, guess they can't skip a beat huh?" York said cheekedly.

"You know this won't be easy, no matter what. With those two, we might just have a chance. What I saw Nick do, gives me faith that he'll be able to get this done for us." CT said as she was checking data for battle groups. "So, here's the plan. York, Wash. You're with me, Nick will also be with us." CT turned to Wash as he sighed heavily. "Really? You're putting our two newest visitors right in front? Don't wanna give them practice first?" Wash said, bitterly. "Wash, I know you still don't trust them. But they've been through enough back on their home planet and just getting here they had to sacrifice a lot. Nick probably won't be able to see his family for a while. It's hard on both of them. But he's doing this out of the kindness out of his heart. Not for money." CT said as she pressed her hands down on the console, shutting it down after finishing their briefing. "York, get everyone to the briefing room. I'll go get Nick and the Rookie." CT said, with an important tone in her voice. York nodded as he walked out and ran towards the cafeteria to gather everyone for the mission.

Nick was walking with Rookie back to the sleeping rooms when he felt an unfamiliar presence nearby. Nick stopped and raised an eyebrow in suspicion. Rookie couldn't help but notice his look. "What's wrong Nick?" Rookie said, looking curious. "There's another SOUL energy user nearby. But the signature's unusual. Doesn't feel like someone I know." Nick said as a serious look took over his face. Just as Nick finished that sentence, CT came around from a corner. "Ah, there you two are. I was looking for you both. York's getting the rest of the teams assembled."

CT stopped when she saw Nick's eyes. They were ones of curiosity and concern. "What's with the look Nick?" She said, resting her hand on her hip. "Tell me, did you bring in someone with a SOUL energy signature? I can feel it close by." Nick said, turning to CT. "I guess? We brought in someone who was snooping around the crash site. Pink fur, lemon necklace. Said their name was Rose." CT explained as Nick's expression returned to normal. "Ah, take me to them when you can. I need to find out if they are hostile. If so, I need to subdue them. Anyone who has access to SOUL energy and isn't doing good with it is a threat to everyone and myself." Nick said with a sharp tone in his voice.

CT was baffled by his tone, but could see Nick knew more then looked like he did. Rookie pitched in: "Perhaps it could wait till after the mission? We need to focus on the bigger picture here Nick. Remember?" Nick turned to Rookie and nodded. "You're right, even though they might have SOUL energy. It's not as dangerous as this ring getting fired is." Nick turned to CT and motioned for her to show them the way. She nodded and walked towards the garage.

Meanwhile, in the prison cells. Rose sat bored. "Dammit, should've known those movement goons were guarding the crash site." Rose groaned as the guard banged their gun against the bars interrupting them. "You complain one more time I'm going to torture you again. So keep quiet. York's gathering everyone for the big mission."

"Big mission?" Rose wondered. Could this be the assault that the movement had been planning for a while? Either way there was no telling if he'd be able to contact command. Since his radio was ripped away and gps locator broken.

Suddenly, he caught a glimpse of a green and yellow clothed figure walking behind the movement's top leader. Though, there was something strange about them. They didn't look like a chupa. And they had a strange resonance. Something Rose could feel in their body. A demonic voice echoed in their head. "Tasty.." It said, before fading away.

Back with Nick, CT went over the details of the operation. Nick was to join the freelancers up front. While Rookie was behind them with the reds and blues providing cover fire. The other resistance members would cover their backs as the assault raged on. Nick could tell this was a well-thought out plan. If anything he was eager to prove himself to these people. Even if he had just met them.

Just before they had reached the garage Nick noticed a white furred Chupa taking care of what appeared to be chupa babies. Nick stopped and told CT he'd be right back and walked in. She had brown hair and a necklace around her neck. Nick sat a distance away, watching her. She looked at Nick, noticing his unusual stature.

"Oh hello!" She said, with a soft tone in her voice. Nick smirked and replied. "Hello, I see you must be.. Taking care of these babies?" Nick raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Yes, I am. I'm Selena. The movement's baby caretaker. Me and Indy both help take care of the movement's chupa babies. So that they can grow up healthy and nurtured." She said smiling as she rubbed the head of one of them.

"Nice to meet you Selena. I'm Nick. I've got a child myself. But he's back on Earth. With his mother." Nick said, turning his head to the side. The thought of leaving his son alone with Ralsei and Kylaine made him slightly sad. "They must be lucky to have a father like you. I heard about your scuffle with Church. Not many people can I say they've got toe to toe with a werewolf." She said trying to improve Nick's mood.

Nick then remembered that. And then smirked confidently once again. "You're right. But that's not the only thing I've done. Fighting gods and massive armies is definitely something I've done before. But this is all new to me." Nick said picking himself back up and feeling motivated again. "Well, I wish you guys luck! Go show omega what for!" She said as Nick walked out with a serious look on his face. Nick gave her a thumbs up and returned to CT and Rookie.

As they walked in, the reds and blues were standing there alongside all the other members. Wash, York and Indy stood in front of them. With all the movements warthogs lined up and ready for the mission. As CT walked in they saluted her. Nick was impressed by the pure number of people present. It had been a while since he had fought alongside an army. So the sight was a welcome one.

"Alright, you guys know the drill. Nick, and me along with the other freelancers will be riding ahead. Reds, Blues. You'll be behind us to provide us cover fire. The rest of you. You're covering our backs so that HADES can't get a leg up on us." CT said, her voice echoing through the garage. Wash walked forward towards Nick.

"Follow me, CT needs me to bring you somewhere." Wash said, quietly with a bitter tone in his voice. Nick nodded and followed. As Nick followed behind Wash, he could tell Wash was still suspicious of him. And rightly so, Nick and Rookie had only been here one day and already they had caused trouble with HADES and the house. If anything they were both extremely dangerous. But he knew if CT had faith in them. There was no swaying her.

Nick and Wash arrived at a lesser used part of the base. "Alright, so we found this car. We assumed the predecessors left it here for safe keeping. And since you already proved to us that you know how to drive these kinda cars. CT wanted me to have you drive it ahead. To give off the impression of a high priest escort." Wash said, entering a code on the door and walked in as it opened.

Nick raised an eyebrow, perhaps this was another mustang? He followed in and stood up on a platform as Wash switched on the lights. Slowly they turned on one by one. Revealing a 1968 Ford Mustang GT, complete with a 428 cobra jet engine. In a dark green finish with chrome rims. Nick smirked cheerfully at the sight before him. Wash turned to him and tossed him the keys. Nick caught them effortlessly. He slowly walked down to the car. But before he got in Wash spoke. "Good luck, Nick. You're gonna need it." Wash then turned around and walked out. Nick unlocked the door and hopped in. Slowly he closed the door and buckled himself in. Putting the key in the ignition. He felt the transmission. Moving it through all the gears to make sure there was no trouble shifting it. Feeling it was clean he put the clutch in and turned the key. At first it struggled to start but after a few seconds it roared to life. Leaving it in neutral he checked over the car, seeing everything was in tip top shape.

Nick smirked and took out a pair of aviators from his cloak and put them on. Shifting into first he moved towards the garage door. It opened automatically as the car approached it. Nick turned on the lights and burned some rubber as he cut the corner hard. Feeling this thing was still young and ready to rip.

Meanwhile, Rookie waited outside as everyone got into their warthogs and started them up. The freelancers were at the front as the others were behind them. In a semi V formation. Nick carefully brought the car around to the front and unlocked the door for Rookie. Rookie got in and buckled up. "You ready?" Nick said, looking over his shades. "..Yeah, I guess. Never fought alongside a big army before. So this is gonna be new." Rookie said nervously. Nick placed a hand on Rookie's shoulder. "It's gonna be ok Rookie. We've got this, they've planned this all out for months, maybe even years. And now, we're gonna help them finish this." Nick said confidently. Rookie nodded and felt better after Nick did so.

Nick then summoned Teardrop and marked the waypoint for Omega's Kaprime compound on his HUD. "Alright, all set to go CT, let's roll!" Nick said over the radio to CT and the others. Nick reoriented the car and drove off on his way to Kaprime, with the movement following close behind. It would be a long and arduous trip. Taking well over several hours. Nick decided to put on some music, starting off with "Battlepoint unlimited" from Dragonball Z.

As Nick drove on, he ran through several possible scenarios in his head. And each and every possible outcome. It was possible that he could die here. But if things went smoothly then that wouldn't happen. But he was slightly nervous. Last time he fought a god, he almost died. Though, things were going to be different this time. Meanwhile, Rookie was trying to relax. This was going to be pretty big, and was basically do or die time. Though Cardinal was keeping him calm.

The reds and blues however, were just happy to see action again. All those years in the gulch were mentally and physically draining. Though Sarge was hesitant on this, attacking the man he looked up to. And gave him reason. Though for the others they were just in for the ride. As for the freelancers, they were hellbent on finishing this. All those years of being used by the director so that Omega could keep himself in power and have no opponents. For everyone, this was a conflict of faith, and motives.

But for Nick, this was just another mission. As the hours ticked by and the group rode on, Nick checked his fuel gauge. Down to a 1/4th of a tank Nick decided they needed to stop for fuel. Spotting a fuel station in the distance, Nick dropped a gear and floored it, sending Rookie back into his seat as he rushed to the gas station. The escort could see this and sped up to match Nick's speed. Nick carefully and quickly brought the car to a stop near the pump putting the car in neutral and applying the parking brake. Nick looked around for a moment. They were in the middle of nowhere.

The freelancers' warthog stopped behind them and Indy got out. Walking over to Nick's window Nick rolled down the window. "Hey Indy, yeah just realised. I don't have any money on me or your guy's currency." Nick said, sweating nervously. "Don't worry, I'll pay for it. But you owe me, ok?" Indy said, raising an eyebrow. "Got it, thanks Indy." Nick said, thankful for Indy's assistance. As Indy went in and paid for Nick's gas. Nick got out and angled himself so that he couldn't be seen from the window.

Blowing his cover would jeopardize the entire mission. So it was crucial he hid himself as much as possible. Opening the gas flap and removing the chrome gas cap he put the nozzle in the tank and began filling. Nick leaned against the car. Luckily Teardrop had scanned the car and its structure revealing the car had been retrofitted with a bluetooth radio and unleaded fuel retrofits.

As the wind blew, Nick could feel the tension in the air. Looking up and away from the gas station, he could see the other side of the ring. A memory flashed in his mind of a soldier whom he had talked to on Alpha Halo. "Life and death, all on a single ring." Echoed through his head as the gas pump dinged to let him know it was done. Snapping him back to reality. Nick took out the nozzle and placed it back on the pump, unlocking his door and jumping back in.

Rookie rested his head on his hand, leaning against the window as they got back on the move again. He thought about home as they drove by vast plains of grass and the local wildlife. Kaprime was about 4 or so hours from their current location. Rookie looked at Nick, sunglasses on and with a stern look on his face. He could tell Nick was focused on the mission ahead. Rookie sighed and closed his eyes, allowing himself to rest for the latter part of the journey.

Nick's car and the convoy drove off into the distance, disappearing from view. Meanwhile, at Omega's palace, a tall and muscular white chupa complete with a red cape and omega necklace stood before Omega. Beside him a child in a purple robe held the Index. Otherwise known as the "relic" to them before him. Omega smiled behind the shadow of his cloak, standing up and walking down to them, taking the index and holding it firmly in his hands. The final part of the puzzle had been acquired.

And now, they could begin the "great cleansing" but before that could be done, Omega had to wait for the rest of the high priests to arrive. Most of them had already done so. But he was waiting for one more. One who he just appointed himself, but little did he know that the new high priest was none other than Nick himself. Masquerading behind his cloak's hood. And using appearance magic fooled Omega into thinking it was him.

Time passed, and now Nick and the others had just made it to Kaprime, eyeing Omega's compound in the distance. Nick smirked, knowing the fun was about to start. "Visual confirmed. I have Omega's compound in sight." Nick said with a calm and collected tone as they drove forth, fighting heavy snow and icy conditions. As they arrived, guards up on the wall confirmed the vehicle as the last high priest's personal escort and signalled for the door to be opened. Just as they did so, the front doors suddenly exploded, the explosives Andee and his bats had planted worked.

The whole compound shook from the force as HADES forces quickly got into defensive positions. Omega knew something was up now, why did the external door cameras just go offline? And why was no one reporting from the gate? This lead him to believe that an attack was being carried out and quickly called all forces to kill on sight.

Nick slid the car quickly bringing it parallel with the blown open front door, throwing it in neutral and putting on the parking brake. Shutting the engine off he put his shades away quickly and got out, running to the trunk and grabbing his M16A4 and M45 pistol. Rookie did so as well, readying his AK47 and M1911. The chupas followed suit, readying their guns and going on the offensive.

Gunfire echoed out as the fight began, Nick and the freelancers were the first to go in, Nick shooting and killing any HADES troopers he spotted. Luckily he had packed enough magazines for a prolonged fight and was ready to switch to his sword if need be. Rookie and the blues and reds provided cover fire suppressing some troopers in the entrance as Nick and the freelancers pushed in further.

Just then, Nick felt a SOUL energy signature in his proximity. It was the strange one he had detected before. Looking up he saw a bird-like creature with blue and light blue feathers fly in behind them. Nick sensed this was an immediate threat and almost immediately, as if a switch was flipped, Nick felt his SOUL energy return to his body. Nick quickly stowed his weapons and pulled out his sword. CT and the others provided him cover fire as he ran through several troopers, cutting them into pieces as he hopped up and flew into the path of the bird creature. Catching them off guard, Nick swung clean at their chest, the sword's blade sparking across the armor.

The bird creature was amused by this sudden new opponent and threw fireballs at them after taking the hit to the armor. Nick dodged several of them before deflecting the last one. Returning the favor, Nick fired off several energy blasts before landing the last one directly on the bird's beak, causing them to spiral out of control and crash into the ground. Nick nodded and returned to the others, pulling out his guns again.

As they pushed in further, the HADES force's resistance grew stronger, Nick left his right hand free to charge a powerful beam wave attack telling the others to stand back. As he did so, Nick threw his hand forward, palm open and fired it, throwing up dust and debris as it cut through the forces in front of them. Vaporizing most of them on impact. This left a clear path directly into the throne room. Nick and the freelancers ran in as quickly as they could, with Rookie and Church following suit. The others stayed back to keep them safe.

As Nick, CT, Wash and York entered the throne room. It was eerily quiet, with almost no one inside. Just as they thought they were safe, an red energy blast flew past CT, landing in the wall. Nick was caught off guard by this. Another SOUL energy user? But how? Nick was technically the only one on the ring that knew how to use it proficiently. Omega stepped out from the shadows, cackling as the group readied their guns. "So, you've finally made it, high priest. Or.. should I say, Nick." Omega said, with a powerful tone in his voice. Nick lowered his gun, stowing it and pulling out his sword. Nick knew this had to be the real deal. CT, York and Wash pulled out their pistols and fired at Omega.

This only served to anger him. Causing him to use his telekinesis and throw away their weapons. Omega fired energy blasts at the trio. Nick tried in vain to deflect them but was stopped by an unseen force. Maine had caught Nick by the arms, restraining him. Knocking the trio unconscious from the force. Rookie and Church quickly began firing at Maine, with most of the bullets bouncing off his back, Church knew they were in deep shit now. "Crap! That's the hunter! Rookie, we need to get out of here fast!" Church yelled as Rookie kept shooting.

"NO! We need to help Nick and the others! We can't leave!" Rookie yelled as he pulled out his shovel and ran at Maine. Church, seeing that trying to get out of this was pointless, backed up Rookie by jumping and readying a punch at Maine's neck. Nick now realized he was covered in bullet holes and bleeding immensely from his wounds. Little did he know that the bird-like creature had come back and landed in front of him. Nick knew this wasn't gonna be easy. Nick slowly stowed his sword as Rookie and Church battled Maine. The wind blew through the throne room as the gunfire outside slowly began to die down.

Nick slid his left hoof back, cocking his right arm back and angled his left arm at a 90 degree angle. Assuming his battle stance. The bird-like creature assumed its stance, and the two flew at each other, landing opposite blows to each other. Sending out a heavy shockwave, but not knocking anyone off their feet.

Even though Nick was in immense pain, he had to push through all that, and fight as hard as he could. Parrying heavy blows from the bird-like creature he landed a hard blow on its armor, cracking it from his immense blow. This only served to piss off the creature, causing him to slash at Nick's forehead, cutting Nick and making him bleed. Nick winced in pain but kept up his defense. As the creature landed blow after blow, injuring Nick further and further. A stray gunshot landed in the creature's eye. Causing it to cry out in pain. Nick, done with the constant beating, yelled as he swung out his sword and swung at the demon's side, causing an energy blast-like impact and throwing them to the side.

Nick, holding his hand to his chest, and breathing heavily, looked into Omega's eyes, and saw the death and destruction they had caused for millions of years. Looking around and seeing Church and Rookie putting up a valiant fight, it gave him hope. That maybe, they could end this, once and for all. Nick looked up the sky, and saw the dark clouds above. Nick then heard Omega speak. "It seems your heavily injured, maybe trying to fight me would be an unwise decision for you, boy." Omega said walking towards him, energy blast charged in his hand. Nick clenched his teeth, knowing what he needed to do next. Thinking of his family at home, all those times he put his life on the line for Earth and humanity. His yellow aura slowly began to appear.

Remembering everything he had done for his friends, and family. And what would happen if he failed. It angered him, that Omega had gotten away with what he did for millennia, and that the chupas continued to suffer under his rule. Fighting a useless war that wasted countless innocent lives.

Nick clenched his fists tightly. Groaning in anger at the thought of so much death. Nick felt the power inside him skyrocketing at an exponential rate. He looked at Omega one last time before speaking. "For all the death you've caused, the lives you've ruined. These people today stand behind me as a testament to your rule. They want to live free, free from your rule and tyranny. And today, I WILL MAKE THAT HAPPEN! SO OMEGA, mark my words! As Nick spoke, electricity arced around his yellow aura. "YOUR RULE ENDS HERE." And with that last word Nick threw his head up and yelled loudly, his aura shooting up into the sky and expanded outwarded with immense force.

A large yellow beam of light shot up through Omega's compound as Nick was hidden inside a large pillar of yellow light. Omega covered his eyes as he stood and watched Nick power up into UFV2. Nick's yells echoed across the ring as his anger was on full display. Nick fur turned dark green with his horns and hooves glowing bright neon green. Yellow marks adorned his face and his body as his eye's sclera turned black and his iris's bright yellow. His body's mass increased slightly as his cloak stretched out slightly to contain this. Suddenly the beam of light disappeared and before Omega stood a powered up and serious Nick.

Now in UFV2, his yellow aura sparked in electricity as his face held an angry composure. His ears flapping in his aura, Nick walked slowly towards Omega. The air silent and the gunfire gone in awe of Nick's impressive power. Nick pushed away all other thoughts, focusing only on one: "Defeat omega, save Sirca."

And with that, Omega took one step back in fear. How did he just transform? Where did all this power come from?! Nick spoke, a deeper and sharp voice carried with it. "Omega, you will pay for your crimes. And I'll make sure you feel every single one of them." Nick took up his battle stance once again. Omega, now unleashing his own aura and battle stance. Stood across from Nick.

(Dear reader, for this next part I recommend you listen to the song: SUPER SURVIVOR from Dragonball Budokai Tenkaichi 3. As it will most definitely enhance the reading experience for the next few pages.)

Nick and Omega flew at each other with immense force, their fists meeting in the middle. Causing a massive shockwave with explosive force, nearly knocking Rookie, Church and Maine off their feet. Nick and Omega parried blows at nearly lightspeed, Nick and Omega both grunting and yelling out as they did so.

Nick broke the parry with a hard upwards kick, sending Omega skyrocketing upwards and smashing through the hard roof overhead. Omega spun himself back into control and fired off several energy attacks as Nick flew upwards at an incredible speed. Nick, tanking all the blasts and shrugging them off. Headbutt Omega directly in his armored crotch cracking his armor and damaging his pelvis slightly. Nick teleported back to eye level with Omega. Firing off a volley of energy blasts. With about 75% of it landing.

Nick wiped blood from his mouth as he floated there, cloak ripped and burned in places. Omega floated there with him. "You know this only ends one way Omega. And that's with you dead. So why don't you just give up already and accept defeat. I'm willing to give you mercy if you just let me kill you." Nick said, with a calm and serious tone in his voice. Omega growled angrily. "You think me, the great Omega will just let a mortal kill me effortlessly?! HOW DARE YOU GIVE ME MERCY! I'LL MAKE SURE YOU DON'T KILL ME." Omega flew at Nick landing a punch directly on his chest. But Nick didn't move an inch.

Omega slowly looked up at Nick's face. His facial expression remained the same. "So be it." He whispered and grabbed Omega by the neck, readying an energy blast in his other hand. Raising him up and keeping his eyes locked directly on Omega's. Omega struggled to breathe in Nick's hard grip. In this state, Nick didn't hold back, his SPARTAN programming showing true in this state. Essentially, an effortless killing machine.

As Nick got ready to fire the attack he heard a voice from down below. It snapped him back to reality as he realized it was Rookie. "NICK! NICK!!!! YOU GOTTA HELP ME!" Rookie cried out as Maine held him in a death grip with a wolfed out Church in the other hand. Nick let go of Omega and fired off the beam at him as he flew down to Rookie as fast as he could. Omega was sent flying from the force and yelled loudly. Nick kicked Maine in the back with both of his hooves and put some energy behind it, causing him to let go of the two and be pushed back far enough for the two to recover.

Rookie took a deep breath as he was able to breathe again. Before him stood a bloody and bruised Nick in UFV2. "T-thank you Nick.." Rookie said quietly looking at Nick in his powered up state. Nick nodded and entrusted him with some of his SOUL energy by holding Rookie's hand and transferring some of his energy to Rookie's body. "Use it wisely." Nick said before watching Omega return back to where he stood before. In the throne room. Just then, Tex landed between Nick and Omega. "Well, aren't you two buddy buddy." Tex said as she looked at the powered up Nick and enraged Omega holding his chest bleeding immensely from the heavy fighting.

"Stand aside Tex, this is between me and him. If you continue to stand in my way, I'll have no choice but to remove you from your place." Nick said locking eyes with her. Tex could tell Nick was serious and moved aside so Nick could focus on Omega. Omega spoke weakly. "How dare you.. You animal.. How could you put up such a good fight when earlier you were powerless?" Nick sighed.

"It's simple Omega. My SOUL is empowered by hope and willpower. Whenever I need hope, or the motivation to continue fighting. I look at those around me. I think of my family, for those I'm fighting for. And then, that's when it comes to me, in full force. You see Omega, I'm not doing this for myself, I'm doing this for the universe, for Earth, and for the people of Sirca. I took a vow years ago that I would defend all innocent life, regardless if it was mine or another world's. I gave up living a normal life when I took up my sword. And that's not going to change till my job is done." Nick said, with an empowering spirit. Omega stood silently, Tex was impressed by Nick's speech, and that he stood fighting even when gravely injured.

Nick gave a little smirk, showing that he was still human underneath all that seriousness. "So, let's finish this fight to see who really is stronger, yeah?" Nick said, taking his stance once again. Omega sighed and reassumed his. "You will die here, Goat." Omega whispered under his breath as the two began fighting again. Nick and Omega once again began trading blows. But Omega showed a slower reaction time and wasn't hitting as hard as before. This indicated to Nick that he had done some fatal damage, meaning he was slowly losing power and strength. Nick however didn't back down and kept hitting with full force.

Omega even though struggling and slowly bleeding out hit with everything he had. Nick and Omega fought hardly and valiantly. Two warriors with different heritages gave it their all and nothing more. Omega broke the volley with a uppercut to Nick's chin. Nick quickly recovered and got ready to land the final blow by starting off with a series of finishing moves. First, he flew backwards slightly and landed a kick on Omega's chest, causing him to spit out blood. Next, he landed a left hook on his face, knocking out several teeth in the process. And lastly he unsheathed his sword and cut Omega's left arm off. It fell to the ground. Omega cried out in pain as he lost his left arm. As a failsafe he charged up a beam attack with the last of his SOUL energy, firing it directly at Nick. Nick in return fired off his own. Their beams clashed with immense force. A blend of yellow and red light emitting brightly from the throne room.

Tex saw this and quickly signalled to Rookie to gather the others and evacuate the room and compound immediately. Rookie nodded and managed to hit Maine hard enough to make him realize the gravity of the situation and evacuate through the throne room's secret escape path. Nick pushed harder and harder with his attack at Omega gave it everything he had. Nick shook his head and yelled putting the last of his power in the attack.

The throne room was now empty as the ground shook and cracked from the force of the twos beams. Rookie looked back to see Nick standing bravely behind his attack as a bright light engulfed the room, showering Nick in light. Omega's screams slowly faded away as Nick's beam broke through his and vaporized him. Leaving a large circular hole in the throne room's back wall and leaving the Index lying on the ground, miraculously unscathed. Nick breathed heavily as he slowly lost consciousness from exhaustion and pain. He looked down at his hands as his vision blurred. He fell to the ground unconscious and back in his base form.

The battle was over. And for now, Sirca was free of Omega's tyranny.

But the journey was far from over.

TO BE CONTINUED..

Red vs Blue © Rooster Teeth. Halo © 343 Industries. Concept by Myshu, assisted by The Department of Chupapology.