13Allfather-Ford's A/N: Hey everyone, it's been a long time since I regained my passion of getting back into Guilty Crown.
This is a perspective story from Guilty Crown's point of view in Kanius's story called Urban Legends (which is an early draft sequel of Persona Vein) that's a Persona 5/Code Vein crossover with Nioh and Kakegurui appearing as guests. To recap Urban Legends, the P5/CV cast (with Togo Hifumi as one of the main leads) and their allies have confronted events caused by a dark force called the Yami Matter, and throughout the story (and while the Phantom Thieves gained a new ability called Persona's Ascendancy), they completed the events up to this final event. This final event is where the main protagonists meet cognitive versions of the Guilty Crown cast and crossover characters as they team up to face the final Yami Matter event.
This perspective story is also meant to establish the first steps of a slow revival of the Guilty Crown fanbase, alongside having Guilty Crown to get accepted while interacting with crossover characters. Did you know there hasn't been a new GC fanfic and GC fanfic crossover this year? Next year in 2021 will be the GC anime's 10th anniversary. I wonder, will there be an actual Season 2 if rumors were to become legit?
Hence, why this perspective story's title is called Reclaiming the Guilty Crown. It's actually based on and tribute GuiltyKingOumaShu's Reclaiming the Throne series that's an AU sequel of the anime. I remember loving reading the chapters, the plot twists, and the grey-on-gray morality in showing these versions of the characters that are neither good nor evil and giving them reasons (including selfish ones) of why they did these actions. I was the one that created the TV Trope page, though it hasn't been updated lately. I remember enjoy having conversations with GKOS such as me laughing and find it funny of how he hates Sora (and his Shonen-like personality) from Kingdom Hearts of 'light defeats darkness' (Since he likes things that are shades of gray (like the power of light actually use for selfish purposes instead of good) and remembers liking Master Xehanort and Vanitas's characters), he's the one that did show me the link of watching all of Game of Thrones, something I'll never forget that kindness and me finishing the show (Even though the final season is a mixed bag). One day, if I plan on rewatching Guilty Crown (English Dub, since I enjoyed it more than the Japanese (When I first got into the anime while watching in Japanese when it first premiered, inspired the first interest of it despite the mixed reception), and the English dub is what made me inspired of properly getting involved in writing GC fanfics (and connections to Kanius) such as mega crossovers back in these early years) next year to celebrate the 10-Year Anniversary, I might consider rereading Reclaiming the Throne and review it again, though I don't know when it will return with new updates.
Also, Kanius (while he's currently writing his debut novel) and I have been thinking of a 10th Anniversary story of Guilty Crown. Basically, it's a retelling, and more of a 'what-if' we have the rights of an anime to produce a much better adaptation, such as obvious plans of making this version of Shu braver and a more likable character. It's a simple crossover with Persona 5, but P5 is planned to have guests roles instead of major ones, meaning it downplays the crossover aspects (and so some fans/readers aren't required to know the crossover stuff), and gives the Author's Saving Throw of giving Guilty Crown the sole stand-alone focus/stand-alone story in showing character developments in their own world. It's something to give some people like GKOS a second chance in plans of showing a mature writing style without the worries of crossover stuff. Of course, it's too early, because it's not until late 2021 to consider this.
Anyway, enjoy this mega crossover story.
Reclaiming the Guilty Crown
Arc I: The War of Thrones
Dimension: PV-18/Meiji Shrine (明治神宮)/Shibuya, Tokyo (渋谷区, 東京)/12:30 AM (JST)
Upon returning to their dimension, the Phantom Thieves, the Vein Remnants, and the Elven Princesses were back in Meiji Shrine. They looked up to the sky, which was already shrouded by black matter. The Yami Matter not only beat them to their destination but spread its infectious cloud over the sky.
"Damn it! We're too late!" Sion exclaimed.
"It's already spreading and gotten a hold of our world!" Queen cried out.
"And look around us! It's altering reality as we speak!" Fox pointed everyone toward distortions forming and changing the physical appearance of their city.
"Where do we even begin to start to fight the Yami Matter now?!" Panther wondered.
Tennyo and Io both sensed the Yami Matter rapidly spreading like cancerous cells spreading over the dimensional body. They and the others agreed if nothing is done soon, their world will meet a similar fate that befell the Wulf-Edda dimension.
"Hifumi, Io, can't Sophia's power do anything to purge the Yami Matter?" Engineer asked them.
"It will take more than our combined power as Sophia to make a difference," Io answered, shaking her head.
"Damn it, then that's it?! After all the shit we've been through, it's over?!" Skull flipped out, panicking.
"No, it's not over! In fact, we still have a chance to save your dimension!" Called an unfamiliar voice belonging to a youthful woman.
"Who's there?!" Joker called out as he and his colleagues whirled around to face the source of this new presence. Initially brandishing his dagger, Joker stood his ground, but let go of his defensive stance. His reaction changed from distress to bewilderment.
"Who are you?" Sion asked the source as the individual emerged from the shadows.
Approaching them is an attractive, slender young woman with long russet brown hair. She has her russet hair pulled up in a band coupled with a back length ponytail hanging down. The girl has two pairs of bangs parted away toward the sides of her face, revealing most of her forehead. Her skin, in comparison to Hifumi's light and fair complexion, has a slight tan with caramel shading. Her eyes are filled with vigor and resolve, which contrasts Hifumi's usually demure expression when she's not full of bliss, shock, anger, or distress. Her eyes are dull reddish brown. On top of having a slender body, her full-bodied dark red, black, and light gray bodysuit showed some thickness in her arms, hips, legs, and posterior. Her thickness seemed to give the others an impression she is physically trained for combat. Her chest is also well-endowed, roughly a C-cup size. She has an extra layer of black and silver armored leggings with skate blade-like heels, which appeared to be utilized more than just for aesthetics. They seemed to allow her to support her legs, allowing her to walk forward and overcome her leg disabilities. There are pink wing-like protrusions coming out her hips and heels.
Every step she made created a thunk every time her heels tapped the concrete ground. She greeted them with a grim and serious look. When meeting her, Sion was left stunned and speechless by the young woman's beautiful features. Likewise, when she looked at Sion, he reminded her of someone she's currently with.
"Hello, heroes of this dimension. We're here to help you stop the Yami Matter from consuming your world," the young woman addressed the Thieves, the Revenants, and the Elven Princesses.
"We?" Hound asked her.
"And who's we? You're just one person," Stinger pointed out.
"Wait, I see more coming out!" Noir called out as they saw several figures emerge and stand behind the red-suited young woman.
Some of these figureheads were instantly recognized from a glance.
"No freakin' way!" Skull exclaimed in shock.
"Hey, I know you!" Oracle cried out toward the red-suited young woman. "You're that wheelchair bound girl from Guilty Crown! Shinomiya Ayase!"
"It is Ayase!" Sion added with shock.
Hearing this, a smile broadened on Ayase's face. "Then, my introductions aren't needed since you know who I am, but allow me to introduce you to my colleagues. Funeral Parlor, come forth!"
Heeding her call, four individuals appeared next to the young woman. All of them were from the Guilty Crown series: Tsugumi, Tsukishima Argo, Shibungi, and Fyu-Neru.
The others that assembled with Ayase and Funeral Parlor: Buffy Summers, Son Goku, Vegeta, Tsukino Usagi/Sailor Moon, Meiō Setsuna/Sailor Pluto, the Tenth Doctor (Doctor Who), Sora (Kingdom Hearts, in his Kingdom Hearts III attire), Superman (DCAU), Batman (DCAU), Wonder Woman (DCAU), Iron Man (MCU), Captain America (MCU), Thor (MCU), Star-Lord (MCU), and Blue (Jurassic World).
"Oh man, am I dreamin'? Skull gaped in shock.
"They're all with you?!" Panther exclaimed.
"Now, this is what I call an elite group," Morgana remarked.
As Joker, Sion, and Tennyo approached Ayase, they cautiously wondered if this was a trap set by the Yami Matter. However, Io saw things differently.
"It's ok, you three. I don't sense Yami Matter influence from them," Io reassured them, her golden eyes scanned Ayase and her large group.
"As I said, I'm… I mean, we're here to help," Ayase opened up to them.
"Alright, but we'll need to relocate," Joker replied.
"Yeah, and now we're going to need all the help we can get," Sion said as he walked up to Ayase. "But, we're going to need to know how you got in our world."
Nodding, Ayase replied genuinely. "Fair enough."
"What do you call your group?" Tennyo asked her.
"We're the SWO, the Secret World Organization. I am their leader," Ayase answered. "Now, let us plan out and liberate your world from the Yami Matter."
"But, we are in the middle of the same Yami Matter event, right?" Akechi asked the red-suited young woman.
"I mean, we did kick Mido and Jinyo's asses, but the Yami Matter summoned our Yami selves right after that," Queen added.
"So, what then? Is this still the Sixth Yami Matter event?" Engineer wondered.
"It has to be an extension of it then," Sion deduced.
Ayase just shook her head. "No, this is the final Yami Matter Event. It's the one that will determine the fate of your entire dimension."
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (東京都庁舎)/Shinjuku, Tokyo (新宿, 東京)/February 26, 2020 (2020年2月26日) (Reality: February 26, 2022)/8:30 AM (JST)
It was a surreal moment for the Phantom Thieves, the Vein Remnants, and their friends. After meeting members of the Secret World Organization, they were escorted to meet with hundreds, not make it thousands of members. All of them being fictitious characters from pop culture media and literature. Most of them are Japanese creations, but there was a decent mix of international representation.
As they entered the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the Thieves, the Revenants, and the Elven princesses were met with several hundred characters.
"Holy moly, I'm on cloud nine," Futaba gazed at the hundreds of fictitious characters around them.
"Dudes, this is freakin' crazy! These are all…! I recognize most from the manga I've read and shows I've watched!" Ryuji cried out exuberantly.
"Unbelievable," Yakumo muttered.
"You're telling me. When Ayase said she gathered a following, I didn't expect this!" Mia added, finding herself overwhelmed with the numbers.
"And yet they're all cognitions, but they're very lifelike," Morgana observed the characters.
"So, what do guys think?" Ayase asked the Thieves and their allies. "Impressed?"
"Well, impressed is not the word I'd describe this," Skyler replied.
"How did you manage to recruit all these people?" Hifumi queried.
"It was an arduous task, but we amassed them as soon as the Yami Matter started affecting your world," Shibungi answered.
"Yeah, apparently it found it could amass an army from drawing influence from your world's media. In your world, people like us are just characters!" Tsugumi added. "I and a bunch of other tech geniuses worked together, opening a portal to enter your world!"
"Really? You've got to show me how you did it!" Futaba raised a hand. "Fellow techie and hacker over here!" Garnering Tsugumi's attention, SWO's tech head interacted with Futaba.
"I take it these are not all your group members?" Akechi asked Ayase.
"Not even close," she replied.
"Holy shit, there's more of you?!" Ryuji exclaimed.
"That's right! Isn't it amazing?" Goku asked.
"And I can't believe the real Son Goku is right in front of us!" Ryuji added with enthusiasm.
"Not to mention Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, too!" Haru faced Superman (DCAU), Batman (DCAU), and Wonder Woman (DCAU).
"I'd never thought I'd see Sailor Moon and Buffy in person!" Ann pointed to the aforementioned heroines.
"You must be another devoted fan of mine!" Sailor Moon said to Ann.
"Gee, you think, Usagi?" Buffy said sardonically.
"Man, it's an honor to meet the actual Captain America from the movies," Skyler approached him, Iron Man (MCU), and Thor (MCU). "Not to mention you two."
"It's surreal to see you Avengers in person," Hifumi was captivated by the Marvel hero lineup.
"Isn't it truly amazing? All of them are here to help us stop the Yami Matter," Io addressed. "Since we're on the subject, I sense the Yami Matter has amassed an army consisting of various villains from the pop culture and media in your world."
"By the way, this isn't the first time we've met," Iron Man (MCU) addressed the Thieves and their friends.
"What do you mean?" Makoto asked Tony Stark.
Thor (MCU) addressed. "Well, to be precise, we never physically met, but we've been observing you. At the movie event you and your friends attended, we watched you, but we couldn't interact with you."
"Why? And you've been watching us?" Louis inquired.
"We have, but the Yami Matter prevented us from breaching your world. So, we've had to congregate with other groups and ultimately Shiniomiya Ayase here established the SWO to combat the Yami Matter's influence," Superman (DCAU) explained.
"And we wouldn't have arrived here if not for Ayase and her organization," Wonder Woman (DCAU) stated.
"Of course, we trained Ayase to prepare her for this event and lead us," Batman (DCAU) said.
"But, why you, Ayase?" Skyler turned toward the SWO leader.
"Why me? Because I was one of the first ones the Yami Matter targeted," Ayase verified. When she revealed this fact, Ayase bit her bottom lip hard and clenched her hands, which Ren, Skyler, Hifumi, and Io first noticed. "The Yami Matter saw that I had the potential to combat its existence and created assassins to take me out. I've had to fight for my life. So much so, I sought martial artists and heroes to train me so I'm strong enough to lead Funeral Parlor. Since then, Funeral Parlor and I recruited hundreds of people to join the resistance to fight the Yami Matter. This threat goes beyond anything our former enemy, GHQ, ever posed. The Yami Matter threatens the existence of not just your world, but ours, too. Our worlds are linked to yours," Ayase firmly stated. "Moreover, as it's taken on an avatar, it has revived the heinous villains. It will also manipulate your darkest desires and create cognitions of loved ones who've died in your lives."
"However, your hopes and dreams are what give us characters life. Since you've valiantly fought back against the Yami Matter, its hold on us weakened and we were able to crossover to your world," Sailor Moon said.
"That's why we're here. You won't be able to defeat the Yami Matter by yourselves," Superman (DCAU) added.
"So, will you join and help us?" Captain America (MCU) asked the Thieves, the Revenants, and their allies.
"Well, what do you think?" Makoto asked.
"Do you even have to ask? Of course, we will," Hifumi willingly accepted.
"The Yami Matter is our enemy, too," Ann stated.
"Thank you all so much," Ayase said. "But, we need to act fast. The Yami Matter will not wait to enact its next measures."
"Wait," Skyler spoke up as he approached Ayase.
"What is it?"
"How long do we have until the Yami Matter strikes?"
"Very soon. It'll attack tonight," Io answered for Skyler.
"Seems your friend called it before I did. She's right and we don't have much time," Ayase stated. "Listen, this isn't just another Yami Matter event you guys had to deal with. We're about to enter the Ethereal War."
Once this was made clear, the Thieves and their friends were overwhelmed with the notion their world is set to become a battlefield.
"So, we've escalated from Ragnarok Vein to this? The Yami Matter knows no limits in what it pursues," Yusuke muttered.
"But, can we stop it altogether?" Haru wondered.
"We will, Haru-chan!" Makoto passionately said, grasping her girlfriend's hands.
"We'll stop it together, my loves," Louis said, holding Makoto and Haru close to him.
"We've been backed into a corner before, Joker. We can do this," Morgana nodded with Ren.
"Alright, l suggest we split into groups. Members from my group and Skyler's can join parties from your organization," Ren passed his strategy over to Ayase.
"Hmm, I think it's doable."
"How about Hifumi, Io, and I join whichever party you go with?" Skyler asked Ayase.
"Uh, I guess so? We'll be hitting Dubai," the SWO leader informed Skyler and his colleagues.
"That's fine. We'll go with you there," Hifumi said. "Wherever Skyler goes, Io and I will be with him."
"Mia!" A voice belonging to a teenage boy called out, which she recognized.
As Mia and her group turned, they saw Nicola, Shinya, Reiko, and Li-Ming running up towards them. were Davis, Emily, Coco, Rin, Karen, and Aurora were seen accompanying the teenagers.
"Nicola!" Mia hugged her brother.
"Hey, Ren! Over here!" Shinya called out to Ren and the Thieves.
"Shinya! Thank goodness you're ok!" Ann waved to him.
"Long time no see, my friends!" Yumeko was heard calling out from a distance. As the Thieves and Revenants pivoted the other way, they saw Yumeko, Mary, Ryōta, Midari, Itsuki, Kirari, Sayaka, Yuriko, Terano, Ririka, and the other Spiritual Gamblers.
"Hey, how did the trip to that other world go?!" Ryōta asked the Thieves, the Revenants, and the Elven Princesses.
"It went well as we hoped, but the Yami Matter acted up and drove us," answered Makoto.
"Oh good, you're all safe," Mina approached the Thieves, the Revenants, and the Elven Princesses. She was joined by Kyosuke and Maria.
"I take it you were able to slay the remaining Lost that indeed our world?" Ren asked them.
"Yes, and as soon as we defeated them, the Yami Matter swiftly took hold of this world," Maria said.
"The Yami Matter didn't waste time and shrouded the planet in darkness. Not an inch of sunlight has managed to pass through," Kyosuke stated.
"Unfortunately, some young Guardian Spirit wielders were injured during the battle with the Lost and can't participate in this coming conflict," Mina sighed.
"It's ok. We'll fight hard in their place," Mary spoke up as she and her friends approached the Thieves.
"Welcome back, Skyler and Hifumi! I missed you," Yumeko quickly pulled them into an embrace.
"We missed you, too," the Revenant and his maiden squeaked out, getting crushed in Yumeko's loving embrace.
"Alright, everyone! SWO meetings are about to commence!" Ayase announced.
With that, The Thieves, the Revenants, the Spiritual Gamblers, and Elven Princesses split up to meet with their assigned parties. Plans and strategies were put in place for the Ethereal War.
Shibuya Crossing (渋谷交差点)/Shibuya, Tokyo (渋谷区, 東京)/6:45 PM (JST)
Having already finished their final arrangements, the Phantom Thieves, the Vein Remnants, the Spiritual Gamblers, and the Elven Princesses faced Shibuya's big screen in front of them. They each had their smartphones out.
Upon arriving to meet with them, the SWO came with their robot, Fyu-Neru, as it projected image screens of the Ethereal War conflicts across the world. Each member with their smartphones witnessed live feedback of various hero characters fighting villains.
The screens showed what could be described as a multiversal battle royal:
Willow (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Xander (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Giles (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Dawn Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Agent Coulson (MCU), Nick Fury (MCU), Howard the Duck (MCU), Piccolo (Dragon Ball), Krillin (Dragon Ball), Majin Buu (Dragon Ball), Yamcha (Dragon Ball), Tien (Dragon Ball), Master Roshi (Dragon Ball), the Ginyu Force (Dragon Ball), Mr. Satan (Dragon Ball), Arale (Dr. Slump), Gotenks (Dragon Ball), Pan (Dragon Ball), Uub (Dragon Ball), Piccolo (Dragon Ball Z Abridged), Krillin (Dragon Ball Z Abridged), Mr. Popo (Dragon Ball Z Abridged), Nappa (Dragon Ball Z Abridged), Future Trunks (Dragon Ball Z Abridged), Pan (GT), Gogeta (GT), Dumplin (Team Four Star), Tuxedo Mask, Sailor Chibi Moon, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Venus, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Saturn, Sailor Uranus, Sailor Neptune, Ozaki Shin'ichi (Godzilla: Final Wars), Douglas Gordon (Godzilla: Final Wars), Mothra (Legendary), Rodan (Legendary), King Kong (Legendary), Anguirus, Kiryu (Mechagodzilla), Kamen Riders (Kadoya Tsukasa/Decade, Kaitō Daiki/Diend, Kurenai Wataru/Kiva, Hidari Shōtarō & Philip/Double, Kazuraba Kōta/Gaim, Kumon Kaito/Lord Baron, Kisaragi Gentarō/Fourze, Hōjō Emu/Ex-Aid, Dan Kuroto/Genm, Kiryū Sento/Build, Banjō Ryūga/Cross-Z, Tokiwa Sōgo/Zi-O, Tendō Sōji/Kabuto, Godai Yūsuke/Kuuga, Kido Shinji/Ryuki, Nogami Ryōtarō/Den-O, Hiden Aruto/Zero-One, Izu, Fuwa Isamu/Vulcan, Yaiba Yua/Valkyrie, Amatsu Gai/Thouser), Saber, Archer, Taiki & OmegaShoutmon (Digimon Xros Wars), Jounouchi & Red-Eyes Black Dragon (Yu-Gi-Oh!), Judai & Elemental Hero Neos (Yu-Gi-Oh! GX), Yusei & Stardust Dragon (Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's), Tomoe Mami, Miki Sayaka, Sakura Kyoko, Kyubey, Meliodas and the Seven Deadly Sins (Nanatsu no Taizai), the Ten Commandments (Nanatsu no Taizai), Super Smash Bros. Fighters (Mario, Kirby, Link, Fox McCloud, Pikachu, Samus, Captain Falcon, Luigi, Yoshi, Peach, Bowser, Zelda, Ganondorf, King Dedede, Donkey Kong, Meta Knight, Solid Snake, Sonic the Hedgehog, Toon Link, Mega Man, Pit, Lucina, Palutena, Bayonetta, Shulk, Bowser Jr. and the Koopalings, Ryu, Ken, the Inklings, King K. Rool, Ridley, Simon Belmont, Hero (Dragon Quest XI), Banjo & Kazooie, Terry, Byleth, Min Min), Master Hand (Super Smash Bros.), Crazy Hand (Super Smash Bros.), Young Justice (Nightwing, Aqualad, Superboy, Miss Martian, Kid Flash, Artemis), Team RWBY, Team JNPR, Cinder Fall, Aloy (Horizon Zero Dawn), Kratos & Atreus (God of War), Kiryū Kazuma (Ryū ga Gotoku), Majima Gorō (Ryū ga Gotoku), the T. rex (Jurassic Park/World), the Mosasaurus (Jurassic World), TOM (Toonami), Suzumiya Haruhi, Spike Spiegel, Teen Titans (Robin, Raven, Cyborg, Starfire, and Beast Boy), Slade (Teen Titans), Green Lantern: The Animated Series (Hal Jordan, Kilowog, Aya, Razer, Atrocitus, Sinestro (in his Sinestro Corps attire), Carol Ferris, Saint Walker, Larfleeze), Indigo-1 (DC Comics), the Powerpuff Girls (1998 Series), Mojo Jojo (The Powerpuff Girls/1998 Series), Him (The Powerpuff Girls/1998 Series), the Rowdyruff Boys (The Powerpuff Girls/1998 Series), Samurai Jack, Ashi (Samurai Jack), The Scotsman (Samurai Jack), Dexter (Dexter's Laboratory), Mandark (Dexter's Laboratory), Ed Edd n Eddy, Rolf (Ed, Edd n Eddy), Johnny Bravo, Courage (Courage the Cowardly Dog), Sector V (Numbuh 1, Numbuh 2, Numbuh 3, Numbuh 4, Numbuh 5) (Codename: Kids Next Door), Numbuh 362 (Codename: Kids Next Door), Numbuh 86 (Codename: Kids Next Door), the Delightful Children from Down the Lane (Codename: Kids Next Door), Father (Codename: Kids Next Door), Cree (Codename: Kids Next Door), Chad (Codename: Kids Next Door), Grim (The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy), Billy (The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy), Mandy (The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy), Megas XLR, Mac (Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends), Bloo (Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends), Cheese (Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends), Sym-Bionic Titan, Danny Phantom, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003 Series), Aang (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Korra & Raava (The Legend of Korra), Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Azula (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Zaheer (The Legend of Korra), Kuvira (The Legend of Korra), Team Voltron (Voltron: Legendary Defender), Prince Lotor (Voltron: Legendary Defender), Ben Tennyson (Ben 10, Alien Force/Ultimate Alien appearance), Rex Salazar (Generator Rex), Finn & Jake (Adventure Time), Mordecai & Rigby (Regular Show), Optimus Prime (Transformers Prime), Megatron (Transformers Prime), Bumblebee (Transformers Prime), Starscream (Transformers Prime), Predaking (Transformers Prime), Sari Sumdac (Transformers Animated), Bumblebee (Transformers Animated), Starscream (Transformers Animated), Optimus Primal (Beast Wars), Megatron (Beast Wars), John Wick, Detective Pikachu & Tim Goodman, Deadpool, Wolverine, LLENN (Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online), Tamaki Iroha (Magia Record: Mahō Shōjo Madoka Magica Gaiden), Aqua (KonoSuba), The Rising of the Shield Hero (Iwatani Naofumi, Raphtalia, Filo, Kitamura Motoyasu, Amaki Ren, Kawasumi Itsuki), Galo Thymos & Lio Fotia (Promare), Zack (Final Fantasy VII), Terra (Final Fantasy VI), Squall (Final Fantasy VIII), Zidane (Final Fantasy IX), Kuja (Final Fantasy IX), Tidus (Final Fantasy X), Jecht (Final Fantasy X), Noctis (Final Fantasy XV), Gladiolus (Final Fantasy XV), Ignis (Final Fantasy XV), Prompto (Final Fantasy XV), Lightning (Final Fantasy XIII), Caius Ballad (Final Fantasy XIII), Ace (Final Fantasy Type-0), Riku (Kingdom Hearts), Kairi (Kingdom Hearts), Donald Duck (Disney/Kingdom Hearts), Goofy (Disney/Kingdom Hearts), Mickey Mouse (Disney/Kingdom Hearts), Lea (Kingdom Hearts), Roxas (Kingdom Hearts), Xion (Kingdom Hearts), Terra (Kingdom Hearts), Aqua (Kingdom Hearts), Ventus (Kingdom Hearts) vs. the Turok-Han (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Caleb (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), The Mayor (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Glory (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Adam (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), The Master (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the Gentlemen (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Omega Shenron (Dragon Ball GT), Towa (Dragon Ball Online/Xenoverse), Mira (Dragon Ball Online/Xenoverse), Demigra (Dragon Ball Xenoverse), Moro (Dragon Ball Super), Trigon (Teen Titans), Nekron (DC Comics), Black Hand (DC Comics), Unicron (Transformers Prime), Gotou (Parasyte -the maxim-), Ultron and the Ultron Sentries (MCU), the Indominus rex (Jurassic World), the Indoraptor (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom), Ramarak (Kong: Skull Island), the Skullcrawlers (Kong: Skull Island), Galeem (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate), Dharkon (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate), Tabuu (Super Smash Bros. Brawl), Controller X (Godzilla: Final Wars), Gigan (Final Wars), SpaceGodzilla (Godzilla), Destoroyah (Godzilla), Aku (Samurai Jack), Dark Danny (Danny Phantom), Ch'rell (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003 Series)), Ozai (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Unalaq & Vaatu (The Legend of Korra), Vilgax (Ben 10), Van Kleiss (Generator Rex), Isaka Shinkurō/Weather Dopant (Kamen Rider W), Sengoku Ryōma/Kamen Rider Duke (Kamen Rider Gaim), Evolto (Kamen Rider Build), Swartz/Another Decade (Kamen Rider Zi-O), Malty S. Melromarc (The Rising of the Shield Hero), Kefka (Final Fantasy VI), Ultimecia (Final Fantasy VIII), Ardyn (Final Fantasy XV), Kadaj (Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children), Loz (Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children), Yazoo (Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children), Bahamut SIN (Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children), Young Xehanort (Kingdom Hearts), Ansem (Kingdom Hearts), Xemnas (Kingdom Hearts), Terra-Xehanort (Kingdom Hearts), Vanitas (Kingdom Hearts).
"Are we all set?" Ayase asked as Fyu-Neru opened up portals for everyone to enter. "Each one will take us to a destination. Skyler, you, Hifumi, Io, and I will take that one over here. It'll take us straight to Dubai."
Sion nodded in response. "Ok."
"Let's do this, Skyler," Tennyo said, holding his and Io's hands. "So, we can have our wedding."
"Yes, we can't forget that," Sion smiled at his beautiful fiancée.
"And I'll be there, too?" Io asked them.
"Of course," Sion and Hifumi nodded as Io turned away, hiding the downcast look on her face.
"Let's do this, everyone," Joker said, walking alongside Panther as they entered a portal.
As he kissed Queen and Noir, Engineer watched his girlfriends take separate portals.
"Be careful, you two," Engineer muttered.
"Let's give the Yami Matter some hell!" Sion declared, his eyes glowing intensely red as his Revenant mask materialized.
"The Ethereal War has entered its next phase. Good luck, everyone!" Tsugumi called out as she closed all but one of the portals.
Outside the Great Pyramid of Giza/Cairo, Egypt/ (EET)
Upon arriving near the location of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Prometheus ΩX and Funeral Parlor (Tsugumi, Shibungi, and Argo) confront Yami Prometheus ΩX and the Spinosaurus. Before focusing on the enemy, Prometheus ΩX surveyed the familiar pyramid setting, which brought back memories of her Palace.
"Wow, this does remind me…" Prometheus ΩX quickly shook her head, returning to the present at hand. "Anyway, we're here, Yami me!"
Yami Prometheus ΩX gave an evil and depraved smile. "Aww, what's wrong? Does this place bring back bad memories?"
Prometheus ΩX scoffed as she conjured her laser sword. "Please, that's all in the past. Now, draw your lightsaber!"
"Heh, so be it! I'll make short work of a simp like you!" Yami Prometheus ΩX drew out a red laser sword.
"Who are ya calling a simp?!" Prometheus ΩX shouted as she and Yami Prometheus ΩX briefly engaged in a lightsaber duel.
"Shit, we've got company!" Argo pointed toward the charging Spinosaurus.
"Ack! An extremely pissed off dinosaur heading our way!" Tsugumi cried out as she and her colleagues rolled away from the Spinosaurus' jaws.
Quickly arming himself with his friend, Oogumo's cannon, Argo aimed and fired at the Spinosaurus. "Eat this, you big ass lizard!" However, the beam only incurred the Spinosaurus' fury as it charged at him.
"It didn't work!" Shibungi cried out.
Tsugumi wailed. "Waaah! Please go away!" She tossed various objects at the Spinosaurus to drive the sail-backed dinosaur back, but to no avail. When it opened its jaws, the female hacker and her two friends screamed together. "AHHH!"
"Tsugumi! Argo! Shibungi!" Prometheus ΩX cried out, but when she tried to save them, Yami Prometheus ΩX cut her off and swung her red laser sword at her. Prometheus ΩX fought back with her laser sword.
Just then, another dinosaur rolled in and slammed into Spinosaurus, knocking the sail-backed behemoth away. Much to Funeral Parlor's surprise, their savior was the T. rex.
"Wow, it's Rexy!" Tsugumi enthusiastically cheered for the tyrannosaur as Rexy swung her mighty tail and battered the Spinosaurus' face with it.
"Took her long enough!" Argo spat out.
Shibungi added. "Don't complain. Be glad she came through for us."
"Then, let's give her a hand!" Argo roared as he fired another cannon blast, which struck the Spinosaurus. Tsugumi offered the assistance, activating and conjuring cannons from a portal, which fired lasers that stunned the Spinosaurus. Shibungi fired powerful rifle shots, taking out the Spinosaurus' left leg.
As Spinosaurus collapsed, the T. rex stomped on the sail-backed dinosaur's chest and crushed it beneath her mighty heel. When the Spinosaurus tried fighting back, Rexy bit down on the Spinosaurus' head and delivered her powerful bite force, crushing its skull and delivering the killing blow. Lying dead, the Spinosaurus' corpse was beneath the T. rex's foot.
Rexy let out a thunderous victory roar.
"Yeah, way to go, Rexy!" Tsugumi cheered for her.
"Hey, doesn't her roars remind you of Shendu's?" Argo reminded them of one of Ayase's masters.
"Yes, you're right. Very similar roars if I might add," Shibungi added.
"Hey, guys! Let's go and help Futaba! She's gonna need us to help beat her nega counterpart!" The female hacker reminded them as Funeral Parlor headed off to assist Prometheus ΩX.
Meanwhile, having relocated inside the Great Pyramid, Prometheus ΩX and Yami Prometheus ΩX paused to catch their breath.
Prometheus ΩX heard Tsugumi's voice through her earpiece.
"Hey, Rexy came and helped us beat that Spinosaurus! We're on our way over! How are ya holding up?!"
Prometheus ΩX answered with a calm chortle. "Honestly, it's not looking good, but I'm not down yet."
Yami Prometheus ΩX darkly chuckled. "Poor Futaba, you need friends to bail you out."
"But, you're just a freaking manifestation of my darkest insecurities brought to life by the Yami Matter. You have outside help, too."
"True that," Yami Prometheus ΩX shrugged as she readied her red laser sword. "So, shall we continue our duel, shut-in princess? Do you miss, mommy?" As she said this, her face morphed into Wakaba's and taunted her with the woman's exact voice. "A pitiful girl like you is not my daughter! You killed me, Futaba! YOU KILLED ME, YOU LITTLE BITCH!"
Having been exposed to her mother's face and voice, the Yami Matter toyed with her emotions. Shaking with anger, Prometheus ΩX reacted with contempt. "SHUT UP! YOU'RE NOT MY MOM!" Screamed Prometheus ΩX as she and Yami Prometheus ΩX resumed their Star Wars-styled duel.
London, United Kingdom/(GMT)
Upon arriving outside the Tower of London, Anat ΩX met with Sinon and Tsunemori Akane (Psycho-Pass).
"Hey, we're glad you came," Akane said. "We've been in pursuit of my old enemy Makishima."
"I just finished off Death Gun before coming here. My friend, Leafa, got rid of Sugou," Sinon informed Anat ΩX.
"That's good. I can't believe some of us are law enforcement working together here," Anat ΩX said.
"Well, I'm not an officer, but I'm aspiring to be," Sinon stated.
"I'd change aspiring dreams if you wish to stay alive," a man's voice, which Akane recognized, interjected as the trio turned around and faced Makishima (Psycho-Pass) walking toward them.
Akane instinctively pulled out her Dominator. "Makishima! Don't move!"
Makishima raised his arms. "Do you still intend to end me, Tsunemori?"
"Don't bother getting answers from her, Makishima. Officers like her don't need a reason to kill people like you," another voice belonging to a young woman spoke up.
The group turned to see Yami Anat ΩX, who was then joined by Kuhouin Arisa.
"It's you!" Anat ΩX angrily yelled at her Yami counterpart.
"Hello again, Niijima Makoto," Yami Anat ΩX acknowledged her. "I take it you're ready to get humbled again by me?"
"That's not going to happen, Yami Matter! This time I'm here to beat you with my fists of justice!" Anat ΩX boldly declared.
"Of course, a former student council president with no dignity would say that," Arisa scoffed, brushing her long hair back. "Fists of justice? How uncivilized."
"You're Kuhouin Arisa from Guilty Crown!" Anat ΩX recognized her.
"Yes, and the Yami Matter told me you mentioned me during that convention."
"Wait, you heard and knew I mentioned you?!"
Furrowing her brows and grinding her teeth, Arisa at Anat ΩX with contempt. "Yes, I know! The Yami Matter knows all! You even said verbatim, "I do remember that show had a student council president. I think her name is Arisa? Yeah, but I'm a much better student council president. That Arisa girl went completely crazy." Yes, that's exactly what you said!"
Upon hearing this, Anat ΩX gasped. "Oh god."
"You really believe that nonsense you've spouted from that uncultured mouth? And I've seen how you've been brought up! How is it an uncultured woman like you turn out to be a better student council president than me?! It's wrong! I am more ladylike and cultured than you!"
"Well, at least I never leave and betray my allies like you did and go off the deep end! I am living a good life with Haru-chan and Louis!" Anat ΩX angrily rebuked, causing Arisa to frivolously laugh.
"Now, you want to rub your success in my face. Well, you're not going to be any good to them after I kill you, Niijima Makoto!" Arisa maniacally laughed, conjuring her Void - the Shield of the Coward.
"And I'll gladly back you up, Miss Arisa," Yami Anat ΩX evilly smirked. "Niijima Makoto must pay for her privileged life!"
"Go ahead and hate me all you want. It's not going to make a difference because I believe in my convictions!" Anat ΩX passionately cried out as she came into blows with Yami Anat ΩX. Both fighters traded fisticuffs while Arisa stood poised holding up her Void barrier.
"Kill that bitch! Make her suffer!" Arisa cheered on Yami Anat ΩX.
Makishima confronted Akane and Sinon. As Akane prepared to shoot him, Makishima ran up and grabbed her, but Sinon cut him off and fired a shot, which he narrowly dodged.
"Not bad for a child," Makishima smirked.
"Thanks, Sinon," Akane said.
"Sure, maybe I can learn a thing or two from you," Sinon added. "Now, let's bring this monster to justice!"
Meanwhile, Anat ΩX unleashed Flash Bomb. intending to take down Yami Anat ΩX. However, Arisa's Shield of the Coward absorbed the explosive blow, saving Yami Anat ΩX at the last possible second.
"Ugh, come on!" Anat ΩX scowled.
"Ohoho, nice try, you undignified brute," Arisa coolly smirked while Anat ΩX fiercely punched her Void.
"One way or another, you two are going down along with the Yami Matter!" Anat ΩX openly declared as every punch matched her intense fury.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates/(GST)
The setting for their forthcoming battle is in the heart of the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. Many civilians were evacuated for this Yami Matter incursion.
Standing united in the city is the collective unit of Tennyo, Sion, Ivy, and the other Vein Remnants (Stinger, Hound, Engineer, Jack, and Eva), the SWO's leader Shinomiya Ayase, the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Loki (MCU), Valkyrie, Saitama, Genos, Tatsumaki, Garou, Fubuki, Blue the Velociraptor, and the Justice League (DCAU).
Before the epic battle could commence, Saitama broke the silence and asked the utmost important question.
"Who are we fighting again?" The Caped Baldy asked everyone else.
"Do you not remember during the briefing, master?" Genos gazed dumbfoundedly.
"For the last time, Saitama, we're fighting Thanos and Darkseid's forces!" Superman (DCAU) yelled out in annoyance.
"Oh right! Thanos and Darkseid! Um, are they strong?"
"Without question, Saitama," Captain America (MCU) remarked.
"Like really strong?"
Iron Man sighed. "Yes, very strong, Caillou."
Tatsumaki shook her head. "Can you be this dense, baldy?"
Fubuki added. "And to think I almost recruited this man."
Ignoring the conversation, Ayase firmly remained resolute, ready to face the forthcoming challenges. Blue walked by Ayase, making clicking sounds.
"What's wrong, Blue?" Ayase smiled, caressing Blue's head. "Don't worry. We're going to pull through this, girl. I promise."
Then, she noticed Tennyo and Sion standing opposite from her. For a moment, she noticed Sion giving her a momentary glance.
"What?" Ayase blinked at him.
"Nothing, you just remind me…" Before Sion could finish, an immense beam of light crashed into the earth in front of them. Every hero quickly turned and faced the Yami Matter's chosen collective: the unholy alliance of Thanos (MCU) and Darkseid (DCAU).
The two alien warlords stood at the forefront with their armies behind them. They menacingly glared down their main adversaries: the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy, and the Justice League. Among the army are Thanos' children, Corvus Glaive, Proxima Midnight, Ebony Maw, and Cull Obsidian. Ego and Hela are also seen among the villainous forces.
"Thanos," scowled Thor, who gripped Mjølnir tightly in his hand and looked to smash Thanos' head in his majestic hammer.
"Ah, so the raisin face is Thanos! And the other stone-faced dude is Darkseid, right?" Saitama figured them out.
"You've got to be kidding me," Batman muttered.
"Greetings, Superman and the Justice League. Today, your blood will stain the earth today and your graves will be erected by us," Darkseid (DCAU) stated ever so calmly while describing their imminent deaths.
"Avengers and Guardians, I intend to bury each of you after I'm done beating the life out of your frail bodies," Thanos (MCU) said, hefting his double-edged sword to use against his foes.
"Hello, son. You're looking well!" Ego jovially addressed Star-Lord, who aimed his guns toward him. "Whoa, hey! It's not my fault you turned me down just because you miss your mommy!"
Upon seeing Thor's new physique, Hela scoffed with haughty chuckles. "My, my, did you let yourself go since we last met, Thor?"
Loki (MCU) chuckled a bit, getting an incensed glare from the Odinson. "...heh, sorry."
Thanos noticed Loki (MCU). "So, you're alive again. No matter, I'll gladly snap your neck like a twig."
Hulk angrily retorted in his normal voice. "That's not happening today, Thanos!"
Charging up his heat vision, Superman's eyes burned red. "Darkseid, we're putting you down for good!"
Iron Man charged up his pulse hands. "Guess who's back, Thanos? Ready to fizzle out again?"
"Don't worry, Tony. This time we'll remove him without anyone sacrificing themselves," Captain America firmly gripped his shield.
Winter Soldier readied his M249 Paratrooper SAW. "Ready to make this happen, Steve?"
Before Thanos and Darkseid made their next move, they heard the whispers of the Yami Matter communicating with them. The alien warlords both nodded, menacing grins curving across their faces.
"Yes, their blood shall be spilled," Darkseid menacingly grinned.
"And their bodies will be lying prone as we stand over them," Thanos muttered. Then, as he raised his double-edged sword, he beckoned his children to charge forward and attack the heroes.
Hela and Ego also joined in.
"Justice League, move out!" Superman called out.
"Avengers…!" Iron Man shouted.
"Assemble!" Captain America finished.
"SWO, initiate the enemy forces!" Ayase hollered as everyone on the hero side quickly intercepted and engaged Thanos & Darkseid's forces. In no time, the Chitauri and Parademon infantries were the first to fall.
Tennyo, Io, Iron Man, Captain America. Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel, Saitama, and Garou took on Thanos and Darkseid.
Superman dove into and slammed head-on with Darkseid, who traded fists with the Man of Steel. When Darkseid fired his Omega Beam, Superman countered the villain's rays with his heat vision. With help from Captain America and Captain Marvel, Iron Man blasted Thanos with his pulse beams. Thanos blocked the beams with his sword.
After Darkseid turned his Omega Beams around, they struck Superman's back. After stunning him, Darkseid clocked him with a backhanded fist. Then, Saitama quickly swooped in front of him.
"And you are?" Darkseid asked in befuddlement.
"Just a hero for hire," Saitama plainly said.
Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck Darkseid, knocking the alien warlord back. Turning his head, Darkseid saw another Lightning Thorn thrown by Tennyo. As the lightning blast collided with him, Darkseid raised his hands to absorb it. Utilizing Brainiac's enhancements, Darkseid unleashed his Agony Matrix, which Tennyo and Ivy avoided getting pulled into.
As she jumped high into the air, Ivy slammed her halberd into the ground and activated her Ivy-Type Blood Veil, quickly springing spikes from the ground that trapped and ensnared various Parademons. She even managed to trap Darkseid, but the Apokolips ruler burned through the entanglements with his Omega Beams.
"Tch, this might not go well," Ivy gritted as she and Tennyo held their ground against Darkseid.
Just then, a Batarang collided with Thanos' back and exploded. Drawing his attention away from Tennyo and Ivy, Batman arrived on the scene.
"You again," Darkseid scowled.
"Yeah, it's me. Oh, and you forgot my friend," Batman smirked.
With that, Darkseid spun around and was met with an earth-shattering blow from Superman's fist. The Kryptonian's punch sent Darkseid sailing back.
"Hey, Supes! Mind if I tag in?!" Saitama offered as he followed Superman.
Meanwhile, Thanos was managing to hold off Iron Man, Captain America, Captain Marvel, and Garou. When Garou attacked the Mad Titan with his Whirlwind Iron Cutting Fist, he broke Thanos' double-sided sword. However, Thanos still managed to smack Garou away with his sword. Captain Marvel punched and dazed Thanos. Then, with her help, Iron Man and Captain America slammed the Mad Titan through a wall.
Then, Tennyo arrived and blasted Thanos with Lightning Thorn, blasting away heaps of debris that fell on top of the Mad Titan.
"Nice shot, miss," Captain America acknowledged Tennyo, who shared an endearing smile with Steve.
After laying Thanos out, the four heroes waited as Thanos popped right back up and wiped some purple blood from his lips. With a menacing grin, Thanos beckoned the trio to physically engage him again. Iron Man, Captain America, and Captain Marvel gladly obliged and attacked Thanos.
Meanwhile, Sion split up from Tennyo and Io as he followed Ayase, the Winter Soldier, Falcon, Doctor Strange, and Martian Manhunter. He spotted them fighting Ebony Maw. The Black Order member levitated into the air and used telekinesis to his advantage, tossing heaps of debris at the group.
"Ayase, keep your guard up! The enemy is close to you!" Tsugumi alerted Ayase through an earpiece communicator.
"Thanks for the heads up, Tsugumi!"
"Oh shit, Sion's in trouble! Get to him quick, Ayase!" Argo barked.
When a large piece of debris headed for Sion, the Revenant prepared to smash it with his Ogre-Type Blood Veil, but Ayase intervened and kicked it so hard it shattered to pieces.
Taken aback by Ayase's heroic feat, Sion watched her land beside him.
"What? Not even a thank you?" Ayase asked, firmly taking a fighting stance.
"Are you getting cute with me," Sion scoffed.
"What? No!"
"Hey, pay attention, you two!" Tsugumi chided them via Ayase's communicator.
Just then, Ebony Maw repelled half of the group with his telekinetic abilities, save for Martian Manhunter and Doctor Strange. Manhunter telekinetically caught some of the debris and tossed it aside. Doctor Strange reversed the trajectory of the flying debris and deflected them at Ebony. Ebony levitated away, evading the debris being thrown back at him.
"Hey, are you ok?" Winter Soldier asked, helping Sion up.
"Thanks, but don't worry I've taken worse," Sion replied.
"That could've gone worse," sighed Shibungi from Ayase's communicator.
Ayase was back on her feet. "That cheap shot! Why I oughta…!"
"Ayase, can you hear me?! Are you ok, girl?!" Tsugumi's voice was heard through Ayase's communicator.
"I've taken worse bumps, but I'll manage," Ayase calmly replied.
"Be careful when engaging him, Ayase. His telekinetic abilities are beyond imagination," Shibungi warned her.
"Yeah, don't get too reckless out there, ok?" Argo told her.
Tapping her communicator, Ayase smirked. "There's no need to worry, guys. We'll take him down." With that, Ayase took a fighting stance and jumped up, landing on some floating debris, which was lifted by Ebony and Martian Manhunter's telekinesis. "I'm so glad we have a telekinetic on our side. Thanks for the assist, J'onn J'onzz!" She called out to Manhunter.
"J'onn is such a sweet Martian. Leave it to him to give a lady a helping hand," Tsugumi commented via Ayase's communicator.
"Hold on! Are you crazy trying to fight him head-on?!" Sion called out as he jumped up and ran across a bridge of floating debris. As he reached Ayase, they both attacked Ebony.
"Watch out for his telekinetic abilities, you two! Ayase, I know you've honed your fighting skills beyond human capabilities, but remember your limits!" Tsugumi coached Ayase through the fight.
As Ayase ran at the Black Order member, she landed consecutive punches and kicks, which the alien parried with his kinetic abilities. When he threw a rock in front of him, he guarded himself against Ayase's blows. However, Ayase fiercely kicked and shattered the rock barrier with her Void legging. She then followed through and punched Ebony's jaw, dazing and knocking him back.
"Holy shit…!" Sion gaped in shock at Ayase's physically capable of fighting and damaging the Black Order member. Quickly coming to his senses, Sion ran up to Ebony and slashed him with his Regicide Blade.
"Ugh, you ungrateful Terrans!" Ebony hissed.
"I shouldn't be surprised. You were trained by many people," Sion remarked, standing side by side with Ayase.
"I wouldn't have attacked him if I wasn't," Ayase replied, raising her fists to fight.
"You will regret your actions!" Ebony growled as Sion and Ayase rushed forward to attack. When Sion reactivated his Ogre-Type Blood Veil and Ayase prepared to strike, Ebony telekinetically tossed Sion and Ayase into mid-air. He then unleashed a telekinetic wave, further repelling them far back. Amid their fall and Ebony's kinetic attack, Ayase's breasts jiggled around.
"Oh shit, Ayase! Sion!" Argo yelled out.
"They've crashed a few kilometers from where the others are currently engaging the enemy!" Shibungi called out.
"Oh no, Ayase!" Tsugumi shrieked.
As they crashed on an office rooftop, Sion and Ayase fell on top of each other. To the shock of both, they accidentally kissed each other's lips. Jerking her lips away, Ayase flipped out at the realization.
"...what?! What the fuck?!" Ayase spat out.
"Heh, what's wrong? Did 'Shoe' never kiss you?" Sion sardonically taunted her.
"You asshole!" She screamed and threw a punch, which Sion blocked with ease.
He playfully smirked. "Did anyone tell you your lips are hot and sexy, babe?" As he elicited an angry scowl and blushing cheeks from Ayase, he further escalated the situation. "I wonder if your foot smells and tastes so erotic."
"Ugh, gross! Have you ever heard boundaries, you sick fuck!" Ayase snapped, swinging a fist at Sion, who once again blocked easily. As she kicked him off, both glared daggers into one another. If looks could kill, both were ready to murder the other. In Ayase's case, she wanted to strangle Sion. Sion simply looked to humiliate her further. "What the fuck is wrong with you?!"
"I could say the same to you. What do you see in 'Shoe'? You two are supposed to be together, but yet I doubt either of you kissed or fucked each other! I mean, what guy would do that with a girl as smoking hot as you?! A pansy that's what!"
"Listen, what goes on between me and Shu is none of your business!"
"When it comes to relationships, I make it my business."
Ayase scoffed and pushed past Sion. "Whatever, it's my business and we have more important matters to worry about that!" As she walked away, he grabbed her arm. "Hey, let go! Don't get any wrong ideas like possibly replacing Shu!"
"Like I'd ever…" Sion growled.
Suddenly, Ayase heard some giggling and snickering through her communicator. Scowling, she heard her friends making light of her situation.
"Oooo, what's going on here? Are we having a lover's spat?" Tsugumi was heard teasing her friend.
"Lover's spat…?! As if! No way would I dump Shu for this creepy asshole!" Ayase angrily spat out.
"I dunno. You two were arguing with an old married couple. I definitely felt more heat between you two than you ever had with Shu," Argo added, further adding fuel to Ayase's fire.
"Come you two, let us get serious here," Shibungi calmly remarked, trying to ease tensions.
Almost wanting to facepalm, Ayase growled. "You three knock it off! Nothing is going on between this jerk and me! Besides, he already has two girlfriends! Why does he need a third wheel?!"
Hearing this, Sion corrected. "First off, Hifumi and I are an item. Second, Io is just our friend."
"Ooo, sure. Friend. Like I'm supposed to believe in some creepy perv? That Io girl has such huge knockers I bet you couldn't help yourself and rock her world already! And that Hifumi girl, I don't know what she sees in you!"
Sion frowned. "She genuinely loves me. And she's a hell of a whole more woman than you could ever hope to be, Shinomiya Ayase. Besides, I don't need a third wheel nor do I need to be with someone who reminds me of my old flame."
Upon hearing this, Ayase was befuddled. "...what? Old flame? What the hell are you talking about?"
"Exactly what I said!"
"Hey, Ayase! I made sure to take a picture of you and Skyler's kiss! I don't know if it's just me, but you look like you enjoyed it!" Tsugumi prattled through Ayase's communicator. "Here, Argo and Shibungi. What do you make of this?"
As she listened to their snickering on the other line, Ayase became flustered where her entire face turned bright red.
"Damn, Ayase! You got more lip action from Skyler than you ever did with Shu!" Argo teased her on the other line.
"I must say, your reaction in this picture is quite priceless, Ayase," elaborated Shibungi.
"Ugh, will you three shut up?!" Ayase furiously screamed, resisting the urge to tear off her earpiece communicator.
"Can't face the facts, Ayase?" Sion chuckled, causing her to whip around and grab him by his shirt. As she gave him a look that could kill, he rolled his eyes. "Please, I've been scared off by worse." He pushed her hands away. "Look, when I said you remind me of someone I used to date, I meant it. She looked like you. She has the same breast size as you. Her skin tone is like yours. You have her hairstyle. Even your voice and personality is exactly like hers! We even had arguments like this before! The only difference is her hair was black. And man, she had such a smoking hot body back then. I miss her. The moment I saw you, I was reminded of her."
"Who was she?"
"Besides my old flame? She and I went to the same high school. We dated for a while. Then when graduation happened, we broke up, but the night before we had sex," Sion reflected on his relationship with his previous girlfriend. "It was a night I'll never forget. I remember how her feet tasted and her lips pressing on mine. Hell, when you and I just kissed, it sparked memories from that night."
Ayase fiercely eyed his direction. "I'm not her."
"I know, but you remind me of her. And guess what? Her first name was Ayase."
Hearing this, Ayase's angry scowl faded, replaced with bewilderment.
"When we argued just now, it all came back to me. For a moment, everything went full circle. It felt like she came back to reunite and fight alongside me… then I realized it was not her. You check off on all her features, except her hair color and feelings for me."
"I...I had no idea…"
Sion nodded and smiled dismissively. "No, it's fine. You had no idea. This Ayase was someone special and helped shape me into the person I am now. It's thanks to her and our time together that allowed me to open up to other relationships. Namely my relationship with Hifumi."
"And Io?"
"No, she's like our partner more than anything. Although, yes I've had sex with Io with her consent."
"Why are you telling me all this?"
"Hey, you wanted to know about me and why I'm the way I am," Sion nonchalantly shrugged.
"Well, at least you're open and honest… but…" Ayase quickly snapped and pointed at him. "Don't ever kiss me like that again!"
"Hey, blame that alien freak for knocking us away. That was an accident and no I had no intention of kissing you before he knocked us far away."
"As you say…"
"So, I'm sorry."
Hearing this, Ayase let out an exasperated sigh. "You're unbelievable." Her scowl was then replaced with a smirk. "But, I can't help but see you as a guy with bigger balls than Shu." Initially disliking Sion for his disparaging remarks about Shu and treating her with disrespect, she found herself warming up to the Revenant's passionate aura. But, what truly won her over was Sion's admission about his girlfriend sharing her name and attributes.
"Hey, we need to regroup with the others," Sion suggested.
"Oh yeah! They're going to need help!" Ayase nodded. "Say, just one last thing."
"Yeah?"
"This other Ayase, where is she nowadays?"
"Who knows? For all I know, she's living her life peacefully without me in the way. This is not the life I'd want to drag her into," Sion openly confessed.
"Then, just for this occasion, can I be her?"
Sion chuckled. "Oh please, you'll never replace my Ayase."
"Asshole."
"But, yeah whatever makes you happy."
As soon as she heard him say this, Ayase affectionately smiled. "Thanks, Skyler Jones."
When he heard her call him by his name, Sion momentarily remembered the black-haired Ayase in his mind. He remembered their last kiss leading to their mutual break up.
Then, as they put their differences aside, Sion and Ayase stood with their backs facing the other. Ayase's Void legs brimmed with rejuvenated light. Sion held his Regicide Blade. They lifted their heads and turned around, smiling at each other affectionately.
"Are you ready to kick their asses, Sion?"
The Revenant howled with unbridled passion. "Hell yeah!"
The two then stormed back into the battle against Ebony Maw.
As Sion and Ayase returned to the battle, they witnessed Ebony Maw and Martian Manhunter telekinetically attacking each other. Down but not out, Winter Soldier, Falcon, and Doctor Strange prepared to fight back.
"Glad you two are back," Doctor Strange acknowledged the duo.
"Sorry, we were delayed," Sion apologized.
"Yeah, delayed," Ayase scoffed. "Strange, how is J'onn holding up?"
"He's holding his own, but Ebony's discovered J'onn's pyrophobia."
"That's not good! C'mon, Sion!" Ayase beckoned the Revenant as they headed off to aid Martian Manhunter.
"Hey, are you still able to go, Sam?" Winter Soldier asked as Falcon stood up and readied his wings.
"Yeah, let's do it, Bucky!" Falcon glided into the air toward the fight.
As Ebony manipulated Martian Manhunter and probed his fear of fire, Ayase hastily jumped in and kicked Ebony away. She then hurried over and tended to Martian Manhunter.
"Are you ok, "J'onn?" Ayase asked him, helping him up.
"I am now. Thank you, Ayase."
While Ebony recovered, Sion stepped in his way and shot his Stinger-Type Blood Veil, attempting to stab the alien. Ebony quickly levitated into the air. The Revenant jumped up and invoked his Hound-Type Blood Veil, using his hounds to ensnare the alien. Ebony telekinetically threw debris at the hounds as their teeth crunched the rocks. Ebony telekinetically grabbed and tossed metal projectiles at the Revenant, who batted them away with his Regicide Blade.
"I'm done looking at that ugly face of yours!" Sion shouted as he invoked his Envoy of Matthew state. Imbuing his Regicide Blade with white light, he quickly lunged and slashed Ebony. A blinding flare of white light cut through Ebony, causing blood to gush out from his chest.
After injuring Ebony with his Will of d'Artagnan, Sion didn't stop there. He transformed into his Successor of Julius Deinos form. The others, especially Ayase, marveled at Sion turning into an allosaurid theropod. Letting out a high-pitched roar, Sion charged into and headbutted Ebony, sending the alien flying into the air.
Ayase watched in awe over Sion's Successor transformation. "Just what in the hell is this guy? A vampire that can turn into a freaking dinosaur?!"
"Ayase, let's take advantage of this situation!" Doctor Strange called out as he ensnared Ebony with a mystical rope.
As Falcon flew up carrying Winter Soldier, Bucky fired shots into Ebony. Then, as Martian Manhunter phased behind Ebony, the Black Order member was psionically stunned by Martian Manhunter. J'onn then phased his hand through Ebony and grabbed his heart, squeezing it and inflicting excruciating pain to the Black Order member.
"Heads up, J'onn!" Ayase called out as she dove into Ebony and cut his throat with the bladed part of her Void boots. Upon slitting his throat, the alien's blood spilled out.
Finally, as Sion turned back to normal, he came up behind Ebony and bisected him in half with his glowing Regicide Blade.
"See? That's how it's done?" Sion remarked.
"Yeah, yeah, nicely done, Sion," Ayase sardonically remarked.
"Hey, not bad, kid," Winter Soldier complimented Sion.
"Well, first off, I'm not a kid. I'm set to be engaged," Sion said. "But, thanks, Bucky. My fiancée and I are fans of you and Cap."
"J'onn, did that bastard take advantage of you?" Ayase checked with Martian Manhunter.
"I'll be fine now, but thank you for your concern, Miss Ayase."
"Hey, Sion," Ayase addressed him in an innocent tone.
"What?" The Revenant asked.
"Help me here with J'onn."
"Oh, sure," Sion replied as he approached Ayase and Martian Manhunter.
"But, Mis Ayase, I…" J'onn noticed her giving him a wink and closed his mouth.
"Ok. So, what did you need…" Sion coughed and doubled over as Ayase quickly elbowed his sternum, applying damage to a pressure point in his body. As he fell to his knees, Ayase boldly stood over him with arms folded.
"There. Now, we're even!" Ayase chastised him.
"Ugh, what?! But, I already apologized!"
"Yeah, but I have my pride to maintain."
"What did you do…?" Sion groaned, rubbing his sore spot.
"The wonders of Amazonian training with Diana and mystic dueling with Master Shendu. They taught me to exploit an enemy's pressure points," Ayase pointed to him. "Even vamps aren't immune to me finding their pressure points!"
"Great, I better be nice to you from now on. Why didn't you use it before?"
"I… Well, you caught me off guard and I was shocked by the moment," Ayase tried excusing herself, which got an eye roll from Sion.
"Yeah, right."
Smirking, Ayase helped Sion up. "Hey, chin up. We still have a war to finish. The Yami Matter certainly won't rest until we're all done for."
"Yeah, we've gotta get to Hifumi, Io, and the others."
"And we will," Ayase then turned on her communicator. "Hey, Tsugumi, we just cleared this area here. Where are you now?"
"Still in Egypt! It's getting hectic out here! So, you beat that telekinetic freak yet?!"
"We did. We're heading out to fight Thanos and Darkseid."
"Please be careful, Ayase!" Tsugumi pleaded as the roars of Rexy were heard in the background.
"Ready to fight the big guys, partner?" Ayase winked at Sion.
"Let's raise some hell," Sion replied earnestly.
Manhattan, New York City, United States/(EST)
Another individual sat to observe the proceedings of the ongoing skirmishes spread across New York. Much like Beerus and Whis, Yuu found himself thoroughly entertained by the Ethereal War.
"This is quite an enthralling show. You know how to entertain us watchers, Yami Matter," Yuu murmured. A composed and relaxed smile adorned his face. He shifted toward the Yami Matter-infested sky. "For the record, my stance is neutral on what you choose to do with this universe. I have no personal stakes. Whoever wins means nothing to me. I'm going to disappear along with the others once this war is over. After all, we're all just cognitions in your little game." He heard distorted whispers in his head as the Yami Matter communicated with him. "Yes, I realize I'm a fictitious character like the rest involved in this war. I know a few key individuals from my series that's involved in this conflict. There's that young woman named Shinomiya Ayase, who's now fighting alongside your enemies."
Taking out a handheld device, Yuu conjured a visual showing Ayase aiding Sion and Tennyo fighting alongside Io. Another visual showed the Phantom Thieves, the Vein Remnants, and the Elven Princesses' participation in the Ethereal War.
"All of the key players are fighting for their lives. It won't be long until they confront you, my dark friend," Yuu smirked. "Yes, do what you want with my personal enemies. Although, I am curious why Ouma Shu isn't around. Do you know Yami Matter?"
He received no response from the anomalous force.
"Hmm, now you've piqued my curiosity."
As Yuu maintained eye contact with the Yami Matter, dark clouds shrouded over the Big Apple. Behind this veil of darkness, the Yami Matter's presence manifested with three heads and three sets of glowing red eyes scanning over the Ethereal War. Some unearthly beast growls emanated from the entity hidden behind the thick cloud.
"I'm now everywhere. I'm in the hearts of little children, in the souls of the rich, I'm the inferno that makes people kill and hate, the cleansing fire that will cure the world of weakness. They're just sinners. I am Sin," Yuu translated on the behalf of the Yami Matter. "Ah, now the kid's gloves come off? This should be intriguing. I wonder how many bodies will start to fall on the heroes and villains' sides?" Yuu surmised with a neutral expression.
Kanius's A/N: Now, why was Shinomiya Ayase and Funeral Parlor selected to be leaders of this resistance? For starters, my friend, Allfather-Ford, is a huge Guilty Crown fan (despite having some grievances with the series), and he recently regained his muse for that series after watching YouTube videos of a Guilty Crown Mobile game and in this game, it showed Ayase using her Void to walk and fight. This supplied Allfather-Ford with the incentive to utilize that character and refocus on correcting the flaws GC had as a whole, especially with its main character Ouma Shu being a less than stellar character (ok, he was whiny and even teetered into unlikeable 'Wanna-be Dictator' territory during the second half of the show). So, he proposed we use Ayase and turn her into the ideal heroine, which the show failed to do, and to give the other members of Funeral Parlor some moments of shine without Shu, Gai, and Inori imposing on their character developments.
With Guilty Crown's 10th anniversary coming up next year, Allfather-Ford thought now was the best time as any to incorporate these characters. And this isn't the first time I've utilized these characters in previous fanfics. They've been featured in previous crossovers and AU fanfics (including a few of Ford's own stories), but this is the first we'll be utilizing the closer to canon concepts. Ideally, we're using Ayase and Funeral Parlor during post-GC.
To further illustrate Ayase's growth into a leader, she was trained by various heroes and warriors in this shared fiction universe. I mean, let's be real. Getting trained by Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Captain America, Iron Man, Buffy, Shendu (Jackie Chan Adventures), Ange (Cross Ange), and various other masters through a variety of arts and skills is going to do wonders for someone who's only relied on her Void to fight her enemies. Ideally, I'd like to improvise Ayase into a Sarah Connor/Ellen Ripley type of character for this arc. And this is another chance as Allfather-Ford put it: "...to redeem GC from its mediocre status."
Yes, I know implementing GC characters this late in the game might come off shoehorned, but as you can tell, I haven't completely shifted the narrative from the cast we've been following for the past 27 chapters before this final arc. The Phantom Thieves and their allies still have moments, especially meeting with and fighting alongside the crossover characters. Heck, Sion/Skyler and Ayase's interactions were a highlight for me. There was even a tie-in to Skyler's ex-girlfriend sharing Ayase's likeness and name. So much so he brought this up to Ayase. The poor girl got so flustered and confused. Luckily, she paid him back for that accidental kiss!
Will this affect Skyler's relationship with Hifumi? Nah, I doubt it. Hifumi is a very understanding and pragmatic woman.
Ok, I'm going off on a tangent, but Makoto also meets Arisa from Guilty Crown, pitting two former student council presidents. Arisa gets jealous of Makoto. Things are going to escalate between these two and Makoto's Yami self.
Finally, the Yami Matter is watching with Yuu, who just like Beerus and Whis, is just an observer. And we get a glimpse of the YM's other avatar form. Hmm, what has three heads and three sets of eyes?