KWCE TRAILERS!

[Voyager]

Just a snippet of something I'm working on since I've admittedly been absent from the K.W.C.E for a bit. All goes well, I might have this done before the end of the year, but if not, It'll at least be a good way to start 2025!

Spoiler:

July 1st, 1946

Inside of the Bikini Atoll, it was clear something was wrong. A sense of dread hung over the air, schools of fish fleeing the area out of nothing but nerves. It was a complete ghost town, devoid of life.

All, except for two.

Survivors of a bygone era, they were almost two sides of the same coin. Prehistoric behemoths from the time of the dinosaurs, evolving to grow accustomed to the life of the sea. Dorsal fins sprouting from the back, and covered in scales from head to toe, one would almost even get the impression they were brothers.

But even if they did share blood relation, the only siblings one could liken them to was Cain and Abel.

One of the saurians, the slightly smaller one of the two, carried a determined look in his eyes. Brown, smooth skin like a whale was complemented by the plates on his back being a pure, bone white. He was an old warrior, no doubt about it. Back in his day, he fought amongst his clan to woo over the females, and become the alpha. But those days were over, and he sought only to live for his own sake.

And he couldn’t quite “live” until the most recent nuisance was gone.

That led to the other one. A sort of malevolent force that only sought to make life miserable for others, if not outright take it away. Colored head to toe in charcoal gray, the pupils he had were sharp like a crocodile, it only craved for malice. It saw the Atoll at his home first, and certainly did not plan to share….

For years, they battled as one, but today, they sought to finally settle their feud. A battle, however, wound up being cut short.

It had started as it usually had. They circled each other like maddened bulls, and went in to charge. While the gray one fought with erratic swipes of claws and maddened snaps of his teeth, the brown one seemed equally enraged, yet more controlled. He fought with a sort of grace most animals did not, and perhaps, against a much less durable foe, that alone would have earned him victory.

But they did not think about the third party at play, and the reason why the Atoll had wound up so barren that day. There was no animal next to the Marshall Islands, but there was man. And they were about to test out their most powerful weapon, unaware that the giants were to be caught in the crossfire.

Operation Crossroads.

Far away enough from the many warships yet still close enough to be caught in the main crossfire, the warhead known as Abel quickly shot closer and closer to the ground, catching both kaiju off guard, only looking up at the strange machinery in wonder. It slammed into the sea, and the force allowed it to finally detonate, the mushroom cloud temporarily clouding their minds away from their battle.

And soon, it threw them into a painful baptism, coating them in nuclear fire not even the seas could free them from.

But they did not die. Far from it. If anything, they were reborn from it, now much larger, with new powers, and their minds nearly driven to pure insanity. The Americans who were there that day saw them first, and had quickly come to the realization they had made a major mistake. But trying to attack them would most certainly make things worse between the United States and the Soviet Union. So what were they to do?

Well, someone had gotten an iota of an idea. Hold them in one place, and hope for the best.

Creating a signal that struck a very specific frequency, both monsters were guided to a small enclave in the Seas of Japan called “Odo Island”. It ran 24/7/365, and because of that, the beasts could never leave, while both the Americans and the Japanese blocked off the isle away from anyone that sought to explore it, everything being closely monitored. And while the world moved on, Odo itself seemed stuck in time, events of horror replaying on loop. Tales of two gods who destroyed everything in their path to wage war on the other had become engraved in their culture, and even those on the mainland reported massive explosions, earth-rattling roars, and massive wakes in the water they could not explain.

Conspiracy theories had run wild across Japan, the “Beast of Odo” almost becoming something akin to the Loch Ness Monster. No one, however, could have possibly predicted there were two of them. And if both governments had their way, it would have stayed that way. And for a whole four decades, it did; even at the cost of things getting more tense. Things were already taking a bad turn with America and the USSR, and the idea of a duo of nuclear-powered leviathans escaping would only cause the Cold War’s heat to accelerate. So their classified entities were to be withheld, perhaps until the end of time.

In reality, however, it only was withheld until they had finally run out of luck.

Oh... yeah. This is gonna be epic.

[FatBaconUnicorn]

Sick trailer, but Soundwave doesn’t have a card… yet. Do you know something we don’t?

Me forcing Soundwave onto the roster on accident (GvR later said it was okay):

[GodzillavsRayquaza]

December 10th (hopefully)

Spoiler:

In a shifting kaleidoscope of incomprehensible hues, a rift opened. Orange lights spilled from it like salt leaving the container, their shimmer brightening as they began to coalesce once more.

This place was pure energy, and the new substance drew that in like a sponge. Many became one, the individuals being lost in the radiance beaming out from the conglomeration. A heartbeat filled the brilliant void as flesh and bone erupted forth, growing into a horrific shape. The skeleton shined brightly, reflecting the lights off its purple form. Dark blue scales folded over crimson musculature, flexing involuntarily. From the back emerged crystalline spines, white as pearls. Thin arms shifted as colossal pyramids erupted from their bases, the same color as the spires ripping their way out of the back. A serpentine tail stretched out, adorned with the gemstones down its length as well, culminating in something akin to a mace.

A thin snout parted to reveal needle-like blades, teeth which were graced with a rattling exhale passing over them. Blazing eyes of orange opened wide, taking in the view before him. An advanced brain sifted through the fog of recent slumber, revealing a simple truth.

He had lost.

The strange place he now found himself in shuddered as SpaceGodzilla shouted in rage. Bolts of power crackled across his form like live wires. The perfect creature of combat was furious, and had nothing to take it out upon.

His genetic predecessor, standing amidst his fortress in a ruined city, assailing him with rays of red! That damned mecha laying next to him, ravaged beyond repair, but its work concluded nonetheless!

Or… had he and Godzilla been standing off with no interlopers atop a forested mountain? And one precise beam had torn apart his shoulder crystal, casting him into a singularity?

Had their battle actually had numerous interlopers, and in a flattened wasteland that was once a paradise, they engaged in a beam struggle which violently ended both their lives? Perhaps he had not actually been defeated by Godzilla, and left Earth having been forced to join him in battle against a foul insectoid copying his might?

SpaceGodzilla shook his head. That last one made no sense, the deep ache coursing through him could only have occurred if he had been torn apart and reformed. But the memory was so vivid, how could it not have happened?

It was only then that the swirling maelstrom before him actually began to make sense. Instead of a blur, he saw what resembled countless screens. As he drifted through this odd dimension, it was all becoming apparent.

These were other worlds, and he had somehow found himself in some odd in-between. Battles played out across countless locations, different combatants waging war. Godzilla was in most of them, but he could only barely recognize some as the King of Monsters. They were all so different, some resembling others by what had to be coincidence while others could not be further off from their other selves.

His own memory blended together as he saw it all. A crystal-ravaged world with him at the top, fighting all the planet’s other monsters in a mad struggle for supremacy. A furious competition for generators across Japan, monsters ripping them apart to increase in size. On a world millions of light years away from Earth altogether, colliding with a serpentine beast who commanded the power of the gravitational singularity.

SpaceGodzilla groaned, grasping his head as he shook. His brain felt like it was splitting apart, bursting at the seams with overloading information. He needed to be free of this place, and soon.

Racing towards one of the screens, he reached out, trying to pierce the veil. It scourged his arm, barring him from entering the scene of Godzilla amidst a cratered Tokyo, a skeletal nightmare descending from blackened heavens to engage him. The crystalline colossus recoiled, howling.

That would not work. He needed to find a thinner veil, a reality already splitting open. His eyes scanned the chaotic realm, the inbetween space, and settled upon one leaking a crimson dust. Lunging towards it, he prepared to dive in, only to stop.

The Godzilla there was… looking at him. Not simply looking at the direction of whatever the rift was, actively matching his gaze, even as he rolled his head. It bore immense legs and a hide that resembled cruel rock, but it was the face that sent a chill down SpaceGodzilla’s spine. A hideously gaping maw with minuscule, white eyes that were covered in red veins. Veins like what adorned his spines. It let loose a booming, haunting bellow.

And SpaceGodzilla was made keenly aware of something beyond that screen. Looking past it, he saw what looked like tree roots growing into it. They seized and spasmed, a closer look revealing that they were fractal nightmares of a construction, which were not isolated to the one he floated before. They connected to numerous other universes, red dust billowing out and falling upon yet more cosmoses which were then impaled by the roots. His gaze traced the roots back to their source, a colossal trunk stretching upwards beyond infinity.

And a set of eyes, which could barely be called such for that word was so small for what they truly were, fell upon SpaceGodzilla. And the feeling that raced through him, settled into his very bones, was something indescribable to him.

A human would know it as dread, complete and total.

Pulling back, he roared up at the multiversal cancer. It was an attempt at intimidation, but in this state, it was clearly a fearful shout. Hatred joined the dread, of both the immense structure and of himself for being so weak before it.

A rift caught his attention, crackling as it already began to close. It was far away from the tree, from it, so he lunged into it like a diver into a pool.

The brightness dimmed, soon replaced with the void of space. Familiar, comforting territory for the megalomaniac. Closing his eyes, he was made keenly aware of two things. First, something or someone had warped through where he now drifted, leaving the distortion that he took advantage of. Secondly, there was a radio signal echoing across the universe, provoking an odd sense of familiarity.

SpaceGodzilla decided that he needed to trace it back to its source. Especially as he dug into the emotions stirred by it, and took in the essence left behind by the traveler who had accidentally opened the door to let him in.

Godzillas, plural, called this universe home. His mouth curled up at its ends into a wicked smile, unveiling the cruel teeth nestled within.

Something pricked his flesh. Opening his eyes, he saw a group of rocks with beaks floating through the void, assailing him. Looking past them, their attacks so diminutive as to be ignored, he saw something which confirmed his suspicions. A floating arm, stripped down to the bone, but recognizable nonetheless.

With a flash of his power, orange streaks rippling from his shoulder crystals, he tore his attackers apart. Some fled the initial attack, their comrades becoming debris clouds, but SpaceGodzilla had no intention of sparing them. His jaws parted, and from his throat shot forth the Corona Beam. The white spearhead affixed to the contorting film of star matter raced towards the rocks, splitting the closest one in half. Instead of detonating, it twisted to strike the next one, repeating the process.

The carnivorous flock of stones became indistinguishable from an asteroid field in short order, their lives the first of many he would snuff out in this strange universe. With that display of his might, a reaffirmation to himself of his power after the daunting nightmare he had witnessed, SpaceGodzilla ventured off.

***

Soaring through the stars was a sight most baffling, yet beautiful all the while. The upper half of a colossal reptilian beast rode a roaring jet of flames from where her lower half had once been. Her scales were a dull green, bordering on grey, but what was bright was the love she showed for the orb in her hands. Connected to an organic tube entering her chest, closer inspection revealed it was a womb, bearing a curled up baby with ivory skin. Red boots were tied to the fleshy chrysalis, dangling with the movement through the cosmos, a reminder to both mother and son of where they had come from.

This was Rozan. Earth had known her as Godzilla, a brutal monster who had wrought devastation upon the human race after being scarred by the atomic bomb. But that had only been part of the story, the latest weaving on a great tapestry.

[Vegetablebuoy]

December 10th (hopefully)

Spoiler:

In a shifting kaleidoscope of incomprehensible hues, a rift opened. Orange lights spilled from it like salt leaving the container, their shimmer brightening as they began to coalesce once more.

This place was pure energy, and the new substance drew that in like a sponge. Many became one, the individuals being lost in the radiance beaming out from the conglomeration. A heartbeat filled the brilliant void as flesh and bone erupted forth, growing into a horrific shape. The skeleton shined brightly, reflecting the lights off its purple form. Dark blue scales folded over crimson musculature, flexing involuntarily. From the back emerged crystalline spines, white as pearls. Thin arms shifted as colossal pyramids erupted from their bases, the same color as the spires ripping their way out of the back. A serpentine tail stretched out, adorned with the gemstones down its length as well, culminating in something akin to a mace.

A thin snout parted to reveal needle-like blades, teeth which were graced with a rattling exhale passing over them. Blazing eyes of orange opened wide, taking in the view before him. An advanced brain sifted through the fog of recent slumber, revealing a simple truth.

He had lost.

The strange place he now found himself in shuddered as SpaceGodzilla shouted in rage. Bolts of power crackled across his form like live wires. The perfect creature of combat was furious, and had nothing to take it out upon.

His genetic predecessor, standing amidst his fortress in a ruined city, assailing him with rays of red! That damned mecha laying next to him, ravaged beyond repair, but its work concluded nonetheless!

Or… had he and Godzilla been standing off with no interlopers atop a forested mountain? And one precise beam had torn apart his shoulder crystal, casting him into a singularity?

Had their battle actually had numerous interlopers, and in a flattened wasteland that was once a paradise, they engaged in a beam struggle which violently ended both their lives? Perhaps he had not actually been defeated by Godzilla, and left Earth having been forced to join him in battle against a foul insectoid copying his might?

SpaceGodzilla shook his head. That last one made no sense, the deep ache coursing through him could only have occurred if he had been torn apart and reformed. But the memory was so vivid, how could it not have happened?

It was only then that the swirling maelstrom before him actually began to make sense. Instead of a blur, he saw what resembled countless screens. As he drifted through this odd dimension, it was all becoming apparent.

These were other worlds, and he had somehow found himself in some odd in-between. Battles played out across countless locations, different combatants waging war. Godzilla was in most of them, but he could only barely recognize some as the King of Monsters. They were all so different, some resembling others by what had to be coincidence while others could not be further off from their other selves.

His own memory blended together as he saw it all. A crystal-ravaged world with him at the top, fighting all the planet’s other monsters in a mad struggle for supremacy. A furious competition for generators across Japan, monsters ripping them apart to increase in size. On a world millions of light years away from Earth altogether, colliding with a serpentine beast who commanded the power of the gravitational singularity.

SpaceGodzilla groaned, grasping his head as he shook. His brain felt like it was splitting apart, bursting at the seams with overloading information. He needed to be free of this place, and soon.

Racing towards one of the screens, he reached out, trying to pierce the veil. It scourged his arm, barring him from entering the scene of Godzilla amidst a cratered Tokyo, a skeletal nightmare descending from blackened heavens to engage him. The crystalline colossus recoiled, howling.

That would not work. He needed to find a thinner veil, a reality already splitting open. His eyes scanned the chaotic realm, the inbetween space, and settled upon one leaking a crimson dust. Lunging towards it, he prepared to dive in, only to stop.

The Godzilla there was… looking at him. Not simply looking at the direction of whatever the rift was, actively matching his gaze, even as he rolled his head. It bore immense legs and a hide that resembled cruel rock, but it was the face that sent a chill down SpaceGodzilla’s spine. A hideously gaping maw with minuscule, white eyes that were covered in red veins. Veins like what adorned his spines. It let loose a booming, haunting bellow.

And SpaceGodzilla was made keenly aware of something beyond that screen. Looking past it, he saw what looked like tree roots growing into it. They seized and spasmed, a closer look revealing that they were fractal nightmares of a construction, which were not isolated to the one he floated before. They connected to numerous other universes, red dust billowing out and falling upon yet more cosmoses which were then impaled by the roots. His gaze traced the roots back to their source, a colossal trunk stretching upwards beyond infinity.

And a set of eyes, which could barely be called such for that word was so small for what they truly were, fell upon SpaceGodzilla. And the feeling that raced through him, settled into his very bones, was something indescribable to him.

A human would know it as dread, complete and total.

Pulling back, he roared up at the multiversal cancer. It was an attempt at intimidation, but in this state, it was clearly a fearful shout. Hatred joined the dread, of both the immense structure and of himself for being so weak before it.

A rift caught his attention, crackling as it already began to close. It was far away from the tree, from it, so he lunged into it like a diver into a pool.

The brightness dimmed, soon replaced with the void of space. Familiar, comforting territory for the megalomaniac. Closing his eyes, he was made keenly aware of two things. First, something or someone had warped through where he now drifted, leaving the distortion that he took advantage of. Secondly, there was a radio signal echoing across the universe, provoking an odd sense of familiarity.

SpaceGodzilla decided that he needed to trace it back to its source. Especially as he dug into the emotions stirred by it, and took in the essence left behind by the traveler who had accidentally opened the door to let him in.

Godzillas, plural, called this universe home. His mouth curled up at its ends into a wicked smile, unveiling the cruel teeth nestled within.

Something pricked his flesh. Opening his eyes, he saw a group of rocks with beaks floating through the void, assailing him. Looking past them, their attacks so diminutive as to be ignored, he saw something which confirmed his suspicions. A floating arm, stripped down to the bone, but recognizable nonetheless.

With a flash of his power, orange streaks rippling from his shoulder crystals, he tore his attackers apart. Some fled the initial attack, their comrades becoming debris clouds, but SpaceGodzilla had no intention of sparing them. His jaws parted, and from his throat shot forth the Corona Beam. The white spearhead affixed to the contorting film of star matter raced towards the rocks, splitting the closest one in half. Instead of detonating, it twisted to strike the next one, repeating the process.

The carnivorous flock of stones became indistinguishable from an asteroid field in short order, their lives the first of many he would snuff out in this strange universe. With that display of his might, a reaffirmation to himself of his power after the daunting nightmare he had witnessed, SpaceGodzilla ventured off.

***

Soaring through the stars was a sight most baffling, yet beautiful all the while. The upper half of a colossal reptilian beast rode a roaring jet of flames from where her lower half had once been. Her scales were a dull green, bordering on grey, but what was bright was the love she showed for the orb in her hands. Connected to an organic tube entering her chest, closer inspection revealed it was a womb, bearing a curled up baby with ivory skin. Red boots were tied to the fleshy chrysalis, dangling with the movement through the cosmos, a reminder to both mother and son of where they had come from.

This was Rozan. Earth had known her as Godzilla, a brutal monster who had wrought devastation upon the human race after being scarred by the atomic bomb. But that had only been part of the story, the latest weaving on a great tapestry.

Spoiler:

Spacegodzilla vs. A Space Godzilla? This’ll be bizarre.

Loved the references to all of Spacegodzilla’s past defeats across the media he’s been in!

[KaijuX]

December 10th (hopefully)

Spoiler:

In a shifting kaleidoscope of incomprehensible hues, a rift opened. Orange lights spilled from it like salt leaving the container, their shimmer brightening as they began to coalesce once more.

This place was pure energy, and the new substance drew that in like a sponge. Many became one, the individuals being lost in the radiance beaming out from the conglomeration. A heartbeat filled the brilliant void as flesh and bone erupted forth, growing into a horrific shape. The skeleton shined brightly, reflecting the lights off its purple form. Dark blue scales folded over crimson musculature, flexing involuntarily. From the back emerged crystalline spines, white as pearls. Thin arms shifted as colossal pyramids erupted from their bases, the same color as the spires ripping their way out of the back. A serpentine tail stretched out, adorned with the gemstones down its length as well, culminating in something akin to a mace.

A thin snout parted to reveal needle-like blades, teeth which were graced with a rattling exhale passing over them. Blazing eyes of orange opened wide, taking in the view before him. An advanced brain sifted through the fog of recent slumber, revealing a simple truth.

He had lost.

The strange place he now found himself in shuddered as SpaceGodzilla shouted in rage. Bolts of power crackled across his form like live wires. The perfect creature of combat was furious, and had nothing to take it out upon.

His genetic predecessor, standing amidst his fortress in a ruined city, assailing him with rays of red! That damned mecha laying next to him, ravaged beyond repair, but its work concluded nonetheless!

Or… had he and Godzilla been standing off with no interlopers atop a forested mountain? And one precise beam had torn apart his shoulder crystal, casting him into a singularity?

Had their battle actually had numerous interlopers, and in a flattened wasteland that was once a paradise, they engaged in a beam struggle which violently ended both their lives? Perhaps he had not actually been defeated by Godzilla, and left Earth having been forced to join him in battle against a foul insectoid copying his might?

SpaceGodzilla shook his head. That last one made no sense, the deep ache coursing through him could only have occurred if he had been torn apart and reformed. But the memory was so vivid, how could it not have happened?

It was only then that the swirling maelstrom before him actually began to make sense. Instead of a blur, he saw what resembled countless screens. As he drifted through this odd dimension, it was all becoming apparent.

These were other worlds, and he had somehow found himself in some odd in-between. Battles played out across countless locations, different combatants waging war. Godzilla was in most of them, but he could only barely recognize some as the King of Monsters. They were all so different, some resembling others by what had to be coincidence while others could not be further off from their other selves.

His own memory blended together as he saw it all. A crystal-ravaged world with him at the top, fighting all the planet’s other monsters in a mad struggle for supremacy. A furious competition for generators across Japan, monsters ripping them apart to increase in size. On a world millions of light years away from Earth altogether, colliding with a serpentine beast who commanded the power of the gravitational singularity.

SpaceGodzilla groaned, grasping his head as he shook. His brain felt like it was splitting apart, bursting at the seams with overloading information. He needed to be free of this place, and soon.

Racing towards one of the screens, he reached out, trying to pierce the veil. It scourged his arm, barring him from entering the scene of Godzilla amidst a cratered Tokyo, a skeletal nightmare descending from blackened heavens to engage him. The crystalline colossus recoiled, howling.

That would not work. He needed to find a thinner veil, a reality already splitting open. His eyes scanned the chaotic realm, the inbetween space, and settled upon one leaking a crimson dust. Lunging towards it, he prepared to dive in, only to stop.

The Godzilla there was… looking at him. Not simply looking at the direction of whatever the rift was, actively matching his gaze, even as he rolled his head. It bore immense legs and a hide that resembled cruel rock, but it was the face that sent a chill down SpaceGodzilla’s spine. A hideously gaping maw with minuscule, white eyes that were covered in red veins. Veins like what adorned his spines. It let loose a booming, haunting bellow.

And SpaceGodzilla was made keenly aware of something beyond that screen. Looking past it, he saw what looked like tree roots growing into it. They seized and spasmed, a closer look revealing that they were fractal nightmares of a construction, which were not isolated to the one he floated before. They connected to numerous other universes, red dust billowing out and falling upon yet more cosmoses which were then impaled by the roots. His gaze traced the roots back to their source, a colossal trunk stretching upwards beyond infinity.

And a set of eyes, which could barely be called such for that word was so small for what they truly were, fell upon SpaceGodzilla. And the feeling that raced through him, settled into his very bones, was something indescribable to him.

A human would know it as dread, complete and total.

Pulling back, he roared up at the multiversal cancer. It was an attempt at intimidation, but in this state, it was clearly a fearful shout. Hatred joined the dread, of both the immense structure and of himself for being so weak before it.

A rift caught his attention, crackling as it already began to close. It was far away from the tree, from it, so he lunged into it like a diver into a pool.

The brightness dimmed, soon replaced with the void of space. Familiar, comforting territory for the megalomaniac. Closing his eyes, he was made keenly aware of two things. First, something or someone had warped through where he now drifted, leaving the distortion that he took advantage of. Secondly, there was a radio signal echoing across the universe, provoking an odd sense of familiarity.

SpaceGodzilla decided that he needed to trace it back to its source. Especially as he dug into the emotions stirred by it, and took in the essence left behind by the traveler who had accidentally opened the door to let him in.

Godzillas, plural, called this universe home. His mouth curled up at its ends into a wicked smile, unveiling the cruel teeth nestled within.

Something pricked his flesh. Opening his eyes, he saw a group of rocks with beaks floating through the void, assailing him. Looking past them, their attacks so diminutive as to be ignored, he saw something which confirmed his suspicions. A floating arm, stripped down to the bone, but recognizable nonetheless.

With a flash of his power, orange streaks rippling from his shoulder crystals, he tore his attackers apart. Some fled the initial attack, their comrades becoming debris clouds, but SpaceGodzilla had no intention of sparing them. His jaws parted, and from his throat shot forth the Corona Beam. The white spearhead affixed to the contorting film of star matter raced towards the rocks, splitting the closest one in half. Instead of detonating, it twisted to strike the next one, repeating the process.

The carnivorous flock of stones became indistinguishable from an asteroid field in short order, their lives the first of many he would snuff out in this strange universe. With that display of his might, a reaffirmation to himself of his power after the daunting nightmare he had witnessed, SpaceGodzilla ventured off.

***

Soaring through the stars was a sight most baffling, yet beautiful all the while. The upper half of a colossal reptilian beast rode a roaring jet of flames from where her lower half had once been. Her scales were a dull green, bordering on grey, but what was bright was the love she showed for the orb in her hands. Connected to an organic tube entering her chest, closer inspection revealed it was a womb, bearing a curled up baby with ivory skin. Red boots were tied to the fleshy chrysalis, dangling with the movement through the cosmos, a reminder to both mother and son of where they had come from.

This was Rozan. Earth had known her as Godzilla, a brutal monster who had wrought devastation upon the human race after being scarred by the atomic bomb. But that had only been part of the story, the latest weaving on a great tapestry.

Ay yo! This is a wild preview! Love the direction it's heading in!

[Vegetablebuoy]

I’ve now begun work on a match that goes back to the beginning! (Well, my beginning.)

Spoiler:

Continued from Andross vs King Ghidorah (Showa)

“I have faith in you, son of James McCloud.”

How did he know?

That was the question running through Fox’s mind as he sat in the back of the taxi, his feet tapping while he clasped his hands together. He had constantly been on edge after the previous day’s events. The news of Andross’ death, his mutation, his regime’s collapse, his planet’s destruction, the existence of the thing that killed him, and now this mysterious snake, who somehow knew his father, offering the means to defeat it? It was overwhelming.

But he had to confront it nonetheless.

His friends, all waiting within the vehicle, were in a similar state of unease. Slippy fiddled with a small device in his hands, trying to ease his mind from the overwhelming stress of the situation. He had been looking over the records of King Ghidorah’s rampage for hours. In every fight, even with the most powerful of foes, he could effortlessly find some kind of flaw that the team could exploit. It satisfied him, made him feel relied on and valuable. But now they faced a seemingly perfect organism. Whoever their new associate was, he knew far more about the creature than he did.

Falco merely leaned against the window, watching as rain fell upon Corneria City. Looking at King Ghidorah’s power, the ace pilot was enraged by the sight. He always wanted to be the best fighter he could be, to make a name for himself. The alien spat in the face of that dream. That crippling inadequacy kept the bird up at night, wondering if he could achieve his lofty aspirations now that he knew things like that could emerge at any moment.

Peppy, with his years of experience, tried his best to recap what they had been through in his mind. Not just the fall of an empire in the span of hours, but the strange man who had offered them salvation. Who was this enigmatic snake that had come to them in their darkest hour? How did he know this much about King Ghidorah? Could he really be trusted? He knew what it was like to fail, to feel hopeless in the face of adversity. Did this man truly have the best intentions for their world? Or did he come to them in their moment of great weakness with his own goals?

The gang could have ruminated for hours on the subject, but they only had a few minutes to before the vehicle stopped at their destination. Paying the driver, Fox led his team through the rain towards a pristine office building. Running inside, the serious executives who worked within the structure were caught off guard by the unprofessional nature of the four bursting in. Panting from the dash, Slippy gave an awkward wave to their audience.

Looking around the lobby, Fox noticed a figure in a red military uniform walking towards them. Regaining their composure, the Star Fox team strode up to meet him.

“I’m glad you could make it, Star Fox.” declared General Pepper. Even when in a relatively calm situation, the military leader kept up his serious demeanor.

“Is the new kid in town here yet?” Falco asked sarcastically.

“Not yet.” The general answered, “He must be waiting for us to be united before-“

“Hello there.” A new arrival greeted, having suddenly appeared right next to Falco, startling the bird into flinching back.

“Jeez! Don’t scare a guy like that!” Falco reprimanded the snake, venting his frustrations at their possible benefactor.

Now that they were face to face with the stranger, the defenders of Corneria could finally get a good look at him. The snake had charcoal scales across his form, as well as piercing yellow eyes that put a sense of unease into the group. He wore a completely black business shirt, jacket, and tie on his torso, and had presented himself with a friendly smile. One that was almost too friendly. It was as if he wore a mask. One that could fall off at any moment to reveal a being beyond their understanding. Despite how normal he looked to General Pepper and the Star Fox team, there just was something… off about him.

“I apologize for startling you.” The snake continued using his courteous tone of voice, giving a short bow.

“However, I am glad you all have arrived safely! I believe introductions are finally in order.” Reaching into the pocket of his jacket, the enigmatic man unveiled a white business card, which he handed to Fox.

Text on the card revealed something resembling an identity.

“Ambassador Extraordinaire”

“Extraterrestrial #0”

“MEFILAS”

[Voyager]

Why not begin right where the last one left off?

Spoiler:

EXTRA STAGE: THANK YOU, AND GOODBYE!

In the glimmering shine of the great crystal city, within its most celebrated and sacred colosseum, two warriors did battle. They were seasoned, a fact made obvious not by the fame of their faces, but by the sheer speed at which they moved. Their fists and feet were like lightning, each strike a bullet poised to utterly wind the foe, reduce them a heap gasping for air. Their skill was unmatched, honed after thousands of years of fighting not only each other, but the grandest rouges gallery of malicious aliens and terrifying monsters the universe had to offer. Once they had been master and apprentice, but now they were brothers.

As fists flew, hits were blocked and their bodies grappled, one of them couldn't shake something off. In truth, he had come back home to recover both his body and his mind. The ordeal Mebius was put through... well, it wasn't ordinary. Ordinary was hard to come by when you were an Ultra warrior, but his last venture was particularly beyond belief. Nevertheless, it wasn't that plaguing his mind. Rather, it was something that - as much as he hated to admit it - was a lot more personal. His heart was touched and now he couldn't go back. To the naked eye of those that observed, the thoughts didn't seem to affect him, but his sparring partner was wiser than most. An ever-so-slight sloppiness gave it away.

The younger overshot, his balled hand soaring right by Taro's face. Not even a second later, a punch to the sternum sent him to the ground. Mebius nearly cursed to himself. Forced to one knee, he looked up into the eyes of the man who bested him. Taro extended a hand out, there was a smile on his face. As bad as Mebius thought he performed, his former master didn't make any deal of it, something he appreciated very much. He took Taro by the hand, being pulled up to stand and being graced on the back by a hearty slap.

"You did well, Mebius." Taro complemented, brushing off his younger brother's shoulder. Mebius didn't give a response, and his eyes were adrift elsewhere. The silver Ultra merely bobbed his head, standing idle with a gaze downwards. Taro, concerned, snatched his cape from the floor, linked it around his shoulders and prodded with a small, if deeply-meant question. "Is everything okay, little brother?"

Mebius was given two choices. He could lie and push down what he felt, although he knew Taro would see right past it. Out of all ten of his Brothers, Taro knew him best, even more so than Hikari. He was practically his protege, and almost an uncle to Taro's son. If he lied, it would also only cloud his judgement more in his own lack of clarity. Then, if he told Taro about what really bothered him, what would happen? Would he be chastised? Probably not, but the possibility frightened him a little. No, that's not right, Mebius thought. Taro was as understanding as anyone could be. Mebius only looked for a way out of his turmoil, but keeping it hidden would do him no favours. A heavy sigh escaped his sealed lips, he had to come clean. It all came out at once.

"Taro, I... need your guidance. Please." There was a tremble in his voice, and Taro instantly knew that it was serious. Like any older brother figure should, he immediately came to Mebius's aid, holding him close to his chest.

"Of course, Mebius, anything!" Taro guided the youngest Ultra Brother to a place to sit, somewhere off to the side of the Ultra Colosseum on a bench. It was where parents usually watched their children train for the Inter Galactic Defense Force. Here they felt a little out of place, but it was on a free day, akin to a weekend like they had on Earth - no one was around. Mebius fidgeted as he waited for Taro to fix his cape against the seat, the build up killing him. Then Taro spoke. "What's bothering you, Mebius?" There was a little silence again. "There's no judgement, it is my duty and your privilege as Ultra Brothers. I'm all ears."

Mebius could only picture her face. Her smile, her aura, everything it felt like to be truly one. "Taro... I feel so silly asking this of you, but I need your help. There's this human, a woman, who I miss very dearly." Taro leaned in, Mebius laughing as he held a hand to his head. "I feel like I should be past this, it's been over 10,000 years since I left our Earth, and I was able to get over parting from my friends. George, Marina, Konomi, Teppei... Captain and Ryu. They grew old and passed away before I knew it. You remember how sad I was, but I got over it, right?" Mebius stopped, turning away from his old mentor, the quiver returning to his voice. "I'd never bonded with a human before. I don't want to lose her. I can't lose Misato, Taro." As strong-willed as Mebius was, it really felt to him like invisible tears were welling in his eyes.

Taro had heard what happened on that Earth from Zoffy, designated 'The World Where The Seeds Fell' by the smart folk over at the Science Bureau. He had heard about Mebius's bond with a woman of that world's defense team. He had heard about the machines they used to fight monsters, which themselves were beasts and only used to combat each other in the time Mebius spent on Earth. He had heard about the race for godhood, ultimately ending with Phoenix Brave striking a nigh-invincible Evangelion down. Existential horror implied by the nature of Adam, Lilith and the Evas aside, the turmoil faced by the humanity of that Earth didn't fall on deaf ears and Taro had no trouble in feeling terrible for Mebius. But at the same time, this concern had to become something constructive. Taro had to comfort, but he also had to instruct.

"That feeling of separation, that loss within your soul, it's sickening, isn't it?" Mebius bobbed his head along. "I once felt that way myself, y'know." The younger perked his head up. He'd been told this by Taro himself a long time ago, a story from when Taro had just returned from his time as Earth's Ultraman. A simpler time, when there was only one Earth, and the multiverse was but a figment of a dreamer's imagination.

"I remember, his name was Kotaro Higashi, wasn't it?" The name brought back bright memories, and Taro almost seemed to lose himself in reminiscing. Mebius said earlier, '10,000 years'. What a difference that could make. The rowdy rookie back then could never imagine where he was now. Legendary Ultra Brother, Chief Instructor of the Space Garrison, teacher to Mebius and Ginga, father to Taiga. If only Kotaro could see him now. In a way, Taro believed he did.

"Yes, Mebius. Kotaro and I begun much like you and Misato, we merged to preserve his life. We lived together, fought together. As brash as he could be, much like myself, he was an incredibly admirable man." Taro stood up, staring out into the vast colosseum and its many platforms. From that, Mebius knew a point was about to be made. "Eventually, he decided that in order to fulfil himself, Kotaro had to go his own way. As much as it hurt, I understood that humans' lives aren't ours to constantly watch over. Misato has her own life to live, she has a world to help rebuild, one child at a time." Taro placed his hand on Mebius's shoulder, the two locking eyes. The horned Ultra nodded his head, and the younger was given a lot to think about.

Taro's words rang true. Mebius didn't know much about what happened after he blacked out, only parts here and there from Hikari and Zoffy. If Misato's mission in life now was just making sure Shinji, Asuka and everyone else she could help have a happy life, Mebius wouldn't oppose it one bit. The thought made him smile, although it didn't do the tears any favours. The terrors they endured together, and the terrors she endured alone ever since Second Impact earned her that. He sniffled, straightening himself with a small tinge of his normal joy returning to his voice.

"I understand, Brother Taro. Thank you." Mebius almost bowed on the spot if he didn't remember the lack of formalities between them. They were fully equals, but ten millennia couldn't help Mebius wrap that quite around his head. "I'll still miss her though." He shrugged jokily but was completely serious in the sentiment. A little humour might help him get through it, or at least, that's what his own students like Zett said. 'You gotta be Ultra-Funny, Brother Mebius!'

"I don't blame you, but you can rest. Her universe is at peace now, Mebius." Taro's head jerked, like he remembered something important. "Well, mostly." He said, stroking his chin. The pupils inside his brilliant yellow eyes darted down back to Mebius, the smirk on his face goading Mebius into enthusiasm.

"Mostly?" the youngest Brother asked, already beginning to grasp an idea of what, or who, it could be.

"There's one more loose end. You can handle him well enough, though." Mebius envisioned that sable agent of deceit, his aggravating laugh and ultimately, the cowardice that allowed him to escape. Whether he was truly the architect of all the madness that transpired regarding SEELE and NERV, or if he was just an interloper coasting on the chaos of the moment, Mebius did not know nor care. The fact he escaped rightful justice was enough to motivate him to action. Mebius snapped to Taro, the look of want on his face gratified by a slow nod of brotherly understanding.

Mebius knew well enough he couldn't be there forever, but that wasn't what he wanted anymore. Just to see her again, see everyone he cared about there. Just to say goodbye, and thank you.

[Reptile6497]

Why not begin right where the last one left off?

Spoiler:

EXTRA STAGE: THANK YOU, AND GOODBYE!

In the glimmering shine of the great crystal city, within its most celebrated and sacred colosseum, two warriors did battle. They were seasoned, a fact made obvious not by the fame of their faces, but by the sheer speed at which they moved. Their fists and feet were like lightning, each strike a bullet poised to utterly wind the foe, reduce them a heap gasping for air. Their skill was unmatched, honed after thousands of years of fighting not only each other, but the grandest rouges gallery of malicious aliens and terrifying monsters the universe had to offer. Once they had been master and apprentice, but now they were brothers.

As fists flew, hits were blocked and their bodies grappled, one of them couldn't shake something off. In truth, he had come back home to recover both his body and his mind. The ordeal Mebius was put through... well, it wasn't ordinary. Ordinary was hard to come by when you were an Ultra warrior, but his last venture was particularly beyond belief. Nevertheless, it wasn't that plaguing his mind. Rather, it was something that - as much as he hated to admit it - was a lot more personal. His heart was touched and now he couldn't go back. To the naked eye of those that observed, the thoughts didn't seem to affect him, but his sparring partner was wiser than most. An ever-so-slight sloppiness gave it away.

The younger overshot, his balled hand soaring right by Taro's face. Not even a second later, a punch to the sternum sent him to the ground. Mebius nearly cursed to himself. Forced to one knee, he looked up into the eyes of the man who bested him. Taro extended a hand out, there was a smile on his face. As bad as Mebius thought he performed, his former master didn't make any deal of it, something he appreciated very much. He took Taro by the hand, being pulled up to stand and being graced on the back by a hearty slap.

"You did well, Mebius." Taro complemented, brushing off his younger brother's shoulder. Mebius didn't give a response, and his eyes were adrift elsewhere. The silver Ultra merely bobbed his head, standing idle with a gaze downwards. Taro, concerned, snatched his cape from the floor, linked it around his shoulders and prodded with a small, if deeply-meant question. "Is everything okay, little brother?"

Mebius was given two choices. He could lie and push down what he felt, although he knew Taro would see right past it. Out of all ten of his Brothers, Taro knew him best, even more so than Hikari. He was practically his protege, and almost an uncle to Taro's son. If he lied, it would also only cloud his judgement more in his own lack of clarity. Then, if he told Taro about what really bothered him, what would happen? Would he be chastised? Probably not, but the possibility frightened him a little. No, that's not right, Mebius thought. Taro was as understanding as anyone could be. Mebius only looked for a way out of his turmoil, but keeping it hidden would do him no favours. A heavy sigh escaped his sealed lips, he had to come clean. It all came out at once.

"Taro, I... need your guidance. Please." There was a tremble in his voice, and Taro instantly knew that it was serious. Like any older brother figure should, he immediately came to Mebius's aid, holding him close to his chest.

"Of course, Mebius, anything!" Taro guided the youngest Ultra Brother to a place to sit, somewhere off to the side of the Ultra Colosseum on a bench. It was where parents usually watched their children train for the Inter Galactic Defense Force. Here they felt a little out of place, but it was on a free day, akin to a weekend like they had on Earth - no one was around. Mebius fidgeted as he waited for Taro to fix his cape against the seat, the build up killing him. Then Taro spoke. "What's bothering you, Mebius?" There was a little silence again. "There's no judgement, it is my duty and your privilege as Ultra Brothers. I'm all ears."

Mebius could only picture her face. Her smile, her aura, everything it felt like to be truly one. "Taro... I feel so silly asking this of you, but I need your help. There's this human, a woman, who I miss very dearly." Taro leaned in, Mebius laughing as he held a hand to his head. "I feel like I should be past this, it's been over 10,000 years since I left our Earth, and I was able to get over parting from my friends. George, Marina, Konomi, Teppei... Captain and Ryu. They grew old and passed away before I knew it. You remember how sad I was, but I got over it, right?" Mebius stopped, turning away from his old mentor, the quiver returning to his voice. "I'd never bonded with a human before. I don't want to lose her. I can't lose Misato, Taro." As strong-willed as Mebius was, it really felt to him like invisible tears were welling in his eyes.

Taro had heard what happened on that Earth from Zoffy, designated 'The World Where The Seeds Fell' by the smart folk over at the Science Bureau. He had heard about Mebius's bond with a woman of that world's defense team. He had heard about the machines they used to fight monsters, which themselves were beasts and only used to combat each other in the time Mebius spent on Earth. He had heard about the race for godhood, ultimately ending with Phoenix Brave striking a nigh-invincible Evangelion down. Existential horror implied by the nature of Adam, Lilith and the Evas aside, the turmoil faced by the humanity of that Earth didn't fall on deaf ears and Taro had no trouble in feeling terrible for Mebius. But at the same time, this concern had to become something constructive. Taro had to comfort, but he also had to instruct.

"That feeling of separation, that loss within your soul, it's sickening, isn't it?" Mebius bobbed his head along. "I once felt that way myself, y'know." The younger perked his head up. He'd been told this by Taro himself a long time ago, a story from when Taro had just returned from his time as Earth's Ultraman. A simpler time, when there was only one Earth, and the multiverse was but a figment of a dreamer's imagination.

"I remember, his name was Kotaro Higashi, wasn't it?" The name brought back bright memories, and Taro almost seemed to lose himself in reminiscing. Mebius said earlier, '10,000 years'. What a difference that could make. The rowdy rookie back then could never imagine where he was now. Legendary Ultra Brother, Chief Instructor of the Space Garrison, teacher to Mebius and Ginga, father to Taiga. If only Kotaro could see him now. In a way, Taro believed he did.

"Yes, Mebius. Kotaro and I begun much like you and Misato, we merged to preserve his life. We lived together, fought together. As brash as he could be, much like myself, he was an incredibly admirable man." Taro stood up, staring out into the vast colosseum and its many platforms. From that, Mebius knew a point was about to be made. "Eventually, he decided that in order to fulfil himself, Kotaro had to go his own way. As much as it hurt, I understood that humans' lives aren't ours to constantly watch over. Misato has her own life to live, she has a world to help rebuild, one child at a time." Taro placed his hand on Mebius's shoulder, the two locking eyes. The horned Ultra nodded his head, and the younger was given a lot to think about.

Taro's words rang true. Mebius didn't know much about what happened after he blacked out, only parts here and there from Hikari and Zoffy. If Misato's mission in life now was just making sure Shinji, Asuka and everyone else she could help have a happy life, Mebius wouldn't oppose it one bit. The thought made him smile, although it didn't do the tears any favours. The terrors they endured together, and the terrors she endured alone ever since Second Impact earned her that. He sniffled, straightening himself with a small tinge of his normal joy returning to his voice.

"I understand, Brother Taro. Thank you." Mebius almost bowed on the spot if he didn't remember the lack of formalities between them. They were fully equals, but ten millennia couldn't help Mebius wrap that quite around his head. "I'll still miss her though." He shrugged jokily but was completely serious in the sentiment. A little humour might help him get through it, or at least, that's what his own students like Zett said. 'You gotta be Ultra-Funny, Brother Mebius!'

"I don't blame you, but you can rest. Her universe is at peace now, Mebius." Taro's head jerked, like he remembered something important. "Well, mostly." He said, stroking his chin. The pupils inside his brilliant yellow eyes darted down back to Mebius, the smirk on his face goading Mebius into enthusiasm.

"Mostly?" the youngest Brother asked, already beginning to grasp an idea of what, or who, it could be.

"There's one more loose end. You can handle him well enough, though." Mebius envisioned that sable agent of deceit, his aggravating laugh and ultimately, the cowardice that allowed him to escape. Whether he was truly the architect of all the madness that transpired regarding SEELE and NERV, or if he was just an interloper coasting on the chaos of the moment, Mebius did not know nor care. The fact he escaped rightful justice was enough to motivate him to action. Mebius snapped to Taro, the look of want on his face gratified by a slow nod of brotherly understanding.

Mebius knew well enough he couldn't be there forever, but that wasn't what he wanted anymore. Just to see her again, see everyone he cared about there. Just to say goodbye, and thank you.

This looks peak already, hyped to read the full thing when it comes out!

Spoiler:

Also Mefilas my beloved being the main antagonist in this is gonna be awesome!!!

[Deathfacer]

Criticism is sought and appreciated!

Spoiler:

Monarch Outpost 54

Information was relayed around the facility, Mark grimaced at the thought of the thousands of people falling hopelessly to their deaths, causing a tear to run down his cheek. Past events left him with trauma that returned with this incident, and it broke him to hear the death count.

“Sir” a soldier said, “We have a call from Commander Walters of G.U.N!”

“Play it”

The older face of Walters popped up on a large monitor of the control room, “Mr. Russell, I take it you’ve heard the news?” said the head of G.U.N, who was about a mile from the carnage.

“Yep, is there not anything you can do to stop this, Commander?” questioned Mark.

“No, he used all of our forces to build that robot, and he appears to be using Monarch’s forces to build something else!” Walters claimed.

“Dear god, all those people, killed for another creation of this madman,” Mark scowled, “You said you had a team of aliens, what the hell happened with them?”

Walters looked down in shame of himself, “They were not enough, one is injured, the other two aren’t powerful enough” claimed the Commander.

“Well, we better have something that doesn’t involve mass destruction, Godzilla is already on his way” said Mark with a hopeless expression.

Before Walters could say another word, the sound of metal clanging could be heard, and the green-sparking clouds began to part, revealing a red mech.

On one arm, a minigun-like limb was attached. On another limb, a massive drill that crackled with electricity. The mechanical beast was smaller in size to Eggman’s original creation, but had wings on its back for higher mobility.

Robotnik’s green chaos bolts reached in the cockpit, through the hole an annoying fox had made, grabbing his assistant. Stone began to panic at the height the two were at before being moved into a seat on the new mech.

Glass slid around the cockpit, concealing Stone from any potential altitude hazards. The right hand man gazed in wonder as Robotnik teleported back into his respective mech.

The mad scientist’s face popped up on a screen in Stone’s mech, “Well, my loyal minion, how do you like it?”

[Vegetablebuoy]

Criticism is sought and appreciated!

Spoiler:

Monarch Outpost 54

Information was relayed around the facility, Mark grimaced at the thought of the thousands of people falling hopelessly to their deaths, causing a tear to run down his cheek. Past events left him with trauma that returned with this incident, and it broke him to hear the death count.

“Sir” a soldier said, “We have a call from Commander Walters of G.U.N!”

“Play it”

The older face of Walters popped up on a large monitor of the control room, “Mr. Russell, I take it you’ve heard the news?” said the head of G.U.N, who was about a mile from the carnage.

“Yep, is there not anything you can do to stop this, Commander?” questioned Mark.

“No, he used all of our forces to build that robot, and he appears to be using Monarch’s forces to build something else!” Walters claimed.

“Dear god, all those people, killed for another creation of this madman,” Mark scowled, “You said you had a team of aliens, what the hell happened with them?”

Walters looked down in shame of himself, “They were not enough, one is injured, the other two aren’t powerful enough” claimed the Commander.

“Well, we better have something that doesn’t involve mass destruction, Godzilla is already on his way” said Mark with a hopeless expression.

Before Walters could say another word, the sound of metal clanging could be heard, and the green-sparking clouds began to part, revealing a red mech.

On one arm, a minigun-like limb was attached. On another limb, a massive drill that crackled with electricity. The mechanical beast was smaller in size to Eggman’s original creation, but had wings on its back for higher mobility.

Robotnik’s green chaos bolts reached in the cockpit, through the hole an annoying fox had made, grabbing his assistant. Stone began to panic at the height the two were at before being moved into a seat on the new mech.

Glass slid around the cockpit, concealing Stone from any potential altitude hazards. The right hand man gazed in wonder as Robotnik teleported back into his respective mech.

The mad scientist’s face popped up on a screen in Stone’s mech, “Well, my loyal minion, how do you like it?”

Spoiler:

The sycophant rises!

I’m pretty on board with this so far! Just some notes in terms of writing, you might want to italicize the “Monarch Outpost 54” establishing text, there’s some bits of punctuation missing, and some paragraphs could be longer. For a first match, this is still some good stuff.

[Deathfacer]

Criticism is sought and appreciated!

Spoiler:

Monarch Outpost 54

Information was relayed around the facility, Mark grimaced at the thought of the thousands of people falling hopelessly to their deaths, causing a tear to run down his cheek. Past events left him with trauma that returned with this incident, and it broke him to hear the death count.

“Sir” a soldier said, “We have a call from Commander Walters of G.U.N!”

“Play it”

The older face of Walters popped up on a large monitor of the control room, “Mr. Russell, I take it you’ve heard the news?” said the head of G.U.N, who was about a mile from the carnage.

“Yep, is there not anything you can do to stop this, Commander?” questioned Mark.

“No, he used all of our forces to build that robot, and he appears to be using Monarch’s forces to build something else!” Walters claimed.

“Dear god, all those people, killed for another creation of this madman,” Mark scowled, “You said you had a team of aliens, what the hell happened with them?”

Walters looked down in shame of himself, “They were not enough, one is injured, the other two aren’t powerful enough” claimed the Commander.

“Well, we better have something that doesn’t involve mass destruction, Godzilla is already on his way” said Mark with a hopeless expression.

Before Walters could say another word, the sound of metal clanging could be heard, and the green-sparking clouds began to part, revealing a red mech.

On one arm, a minigun-like limb was attached. On another limb, a massive drill that crackled with electricity. The mechanical beast was smaller in size to Eggman’s original creation, but had wings on its back for higher mobility.

Robotnik’s green chaos bolts reached in the cockpit, through the hole an annoying fox had made, grabbing his assistant. Stone began to panic at the height the two were at before being moved into a seat on the new mech.

Glass slid around the cockpit, concealing Stone from any potential altitude hazards. The right hand man gazed in wonder as Robotnik teleported back into his respective mech.

The mad scientist’s face popped up on a screen in Stone’s mech, “Well, my loyal minion, how do you like it?”

Spoiler:

The sycophant rises!

I’m pretty on board with this so far! Just some notes in terms of writing, you might want to italicize the “Monarch Outpost 54” establishing text, there’s some bits of punctuation missing, and some paragraphs could be longer. For a first match, this is still some good stuff.

Spoiler:

Thanks for the feedback! Monarch Outpost 54 is italicized in the doc, think I'll have to manually put the italics in when I get the match onto the forum, but I will definitely take your advice into account when I get to refining everything.

[Voyager]

Old match I'd like to get around to finishing and posting one day. Hope you enjoy the preview!

Spoiler:

Planet Z98 used to be bustling with life, home to a race of intelligent and empathetic beings. They progressed through the stages of civilisation and were at the zenith of their power, but what came they couldn't have prepared for. No one mind could have comprehended the sheer might of what they were met with. In an instant their cities were razed, the beautiful planet becoming a cold and lifeless graveyard. The purple soil, green seas and starry sky were left on their lonesome, the only witnesses to a planetary genocide. The perpetrator at a glance could have been any widely feared cosmos entity. Perhaps Hedorah came for their pollutants? King Ghidorah may have felt peckish for destruction. Or was it the Baltans looking for a new home?

It only took a small amount of searching for clues to appear. Imposing crystalline towers jutted up from the ground, glowing iridescently, on and off as if a beating heart were at their core. They were everywhere, dotting the planet like invading spots and sores. One crystal was far larger than the rest, standing five miles high, seemingly having grown through what had to be the massacred people's greatest architectural achievement. The tower of glowing mineral was a testament to a wrathful tyrant, seated at it's base on a throne of decimated civilisation. The beast's body was riddled with the same crystal as what made up the structures that plagued the land, growing out of his blueish flesh like horrific tumors. They crackled with power, bolts of green energy whipped around polygonal shoulder spikes as the monster pondered on his next move.

It was an unmistakable visage. Born of mysterious circumstances, yet known throughout the universe as a scourge, a bringer of death, destruction and war. This was the life he chose for himself. SpaceGodzilla, the crystal emperor, slaughtered the people of Z98. Their screams of horror humoured him, and better yet, they had no means of fighting back. It was something that greatly annoyed him about Earth. Outwardly such a beautiful, inward focusing planet, yet it was home to some of the most defiant and powerful people and creatures. He hated them all. Especially his 'brother'. It was all such an annoyance. Alas, SpaceGodzilla's hunger for power and domination was still craving and demanding. In light of his defeat on Earth, the saurian from space would take to the deepest reaches of the cosmos to find unwitting planets to transform into power banks and crystalline shrines in his honour.

Conquests like this provided a temporary reprieve, but it was never enough. The tyrant could never be satiated. SpaceGodzilla’s amber eyes flickered side to side, gliding up and down the sight of the crystal fortress he was turning the planet’s surface into. It was one of thousands now, crystal perfection. A rumbling growl slipped through his grit teeth, and the crystalline tyrant clenched his fist. SpaceGodzilla looked to the sky above, continuing to plot his next move as he eyed the planet's moon. Completely crystallised, it was satisfactory for the invader. Suddenly, a peculiar sight caught his eye, one star shone much brighter than the others. It appeared as a diamond in the sky, and from its light came forth a radiant ball of green energy.

SpaceGodzilla hissed at the sight, turning his wrists upward as he telepathically lifted his heavy form from its seat. The cosmic tyrant knew what it was, and what that now meant would lie ahead. SpaceGodzilla turned his back to the emerald orb, hovering away as the verdant light blanketed the world around him. As soon as it had appeared, the sphere rocketed down to the surface, halting in it's tracks completely. The green orb exploded into pure, radiating energy, and from it formed a figure. As with the terroriser of Z98 this too was an unmistakable being, renowned throughout space as a hero of light. There was no mistaking it, the horned figure donning a flowing scarlet cape was the Supreme Commander of the Space Garrison. Ultraman Ken, now widely given the title Father of Ultra.

SpaceGodzilla could feel the aura emanating from the Ultra, both physically and mentally. The red and silver giant was lean but muscular, and his glowing eyes looked upon SpaceGodzilla with stern disdain. SpaceGodzilla knew of the Ultras, a race of heroes from a far away planet. It'd be a death sentence to attempt an invasion of their world, but out here? He's all alone. SpaceGodzilla's maw curled at the thought. The pulsating emerald energy around Ken faded, and his rustling cape settled behind his ankles.

"Did you do this?" The Supreme Commander gestured his hand, not pointing to the obvious crystal kingdom SpaceGodzilla had forged, but to the sky above. He didn't have to mention it, but the saurian could discern what Ken meant. "There are laws in the universe, ones that are not meant to be broken. You have shrouded countless worlds in darkness and death, replaced the natural light with your insidious glow." SpaceGodzilla cackled, his crystal jewellery flashing with light as more spikes erupted from the ground around the two. The cosmic tyrant turned his head, one fiery eye catching the view of the Ultra in the side. SpaceGodzilla crowed mockingly, his immensely long tail twisting and twirling through the air. The galactic terror turned around to face this challenger, a small motion of the hand uprooting a multitude of crystals into the air with telepathy.

"Your reign of darkness ends now, Crystal Emperor." Ken's gruff voice boomed. Unlatching his crimson mantle, Ken discarded the cape with a thrust of his arm, his full, herculean physique on display. A foolish decision, SpaceGodzilla thought, but perhaps it would provide some entertainment. Watching the life drain from his foe's eyes will be exciting! Ken, despite his rather serious job and high status, had similar thoughts in his head. SpaceGodzilla had come too far already, his plan was not going to be foiled so easily. Not by the likes of a pathetic giant.

Ken reached behind his back, gloved fingers ready to summon the Ultra Array from within his buckle as soon as the tyrant before him moved a muscle. Then, as if it were carried by the wind, a deathly voice rang throughout Ken's head.

"Let's see how strong you really are." Ken didn't lose focus, but was shocked nonetheless. Was it... SpaceGodzilla's voice? Ken had no time to ponder, as soon as the sentence ended a barrage of missile-like crystals rocketed towards him. The Commander shot his arm into the air, an iron-dumbbell shaped object appeared out of thin air, emitting a harsh light and a resounding hiss. The crystals exploded as the were struck by the Ultra Array's light, shards flying in every which way as their sender followed up the assault. SpaceGodzilla started to hover, his bulky frame gliding through the air with unexpected grace, now summoning more crystal spikes to his aid, floating around him like a spinning arsenal. Ken bounded forward, moving with such speed that the soil beneath his feet was ejected into the air.

Crystals were slung again, travelling towards Ken at high speed, yet their sheer volume and velocity could not land a hit on the experienced warrior, who weaved between them as SpaceGodzilla drew closer. Just when the cosmic saurian was within an arm's reach, Ken wound his arm back and thrusted it forward, intent on driving his fist into SpaceGodzilla's face. The hand of the giant struck something, but it had no fleshy texture, it felt like rock. SpaceGodzilla cackled as he held his arms before him, a crystalline barrier that separated him and his foe constructed in seconds by a mere thought. The two locked eyes, SpaceGodzilla's red glow piercing Ken's soul as the evil tyrant roared with glee.

Ken felt a numbing sensation wrack his body, and looking down, saw that his arms were flickering with green bolts of energy. The same energy spiralled from the top of SpaceGodzilla's mineral mounds and had speared into Ken's body. Father of Ultra caught a glimpse of SpaceGodzilla's malicious leer before being thrown away by the reptile's astronomical psychic power, hurtling through the air and smashing into one of the planet's distinctive tooth-like mountains. SpaceGodzilla slowly lifted his massive weight over to where his foe had crashed, the mountain pulverised into dust and rubble by the impact, had his foe survived? Maybe he wasn't as strong as he'd-

SpaceGodzilla's train of thought was disrupted as a crescent-shape projectile flew out of the dust cloud, his reaction time barely fast enough to construct a barrier before it hit him. An massive spherical explosion engulfed SpaceGodzilla, the flames wrapping around the area of the shield and jetting overhead, it's shockwave tearing away at the ground below and chipping at the shield. It was overwhelming, like a thousand nuclear warheads had been aimed and fired at the crystalline mutant. Ken stepped out as the debris settled, SpaceGodzilla lowering his shield as the fire dissipated. The two now stood in a charred crater, everything in the vicinity destroyed but themselves.

"You spoke to me, didn't you?" Ken balled his fists, his muscles bulging as power surged throughout his body. Ken's recognition of this made SpaceGodzilla's face light up.

"You're the first to catch on, Ultra." SpaceGodzilla's telepathic voice was rather shrill for a being of such power, yet it still commanded a sense of menace befitting of him. "Whilst most only hear my demonic cry, those who are above lower life forms can hear my voice. You may consider yourself honoured to be graced by my true self."

"Why are you doing this? Your grudge with Godzilla meant nothing to these planets you've decimated." Ken's question was not a hard one for the Crystal Emperor to answer.

"My progenitor has nothing to do with my plan, but he will get his when I return to Earth." The cosmic saurian's eyes beamed with disdain at the mere mention of his Earthly counterpart. "The insects do not deserve to inherit the celestial bodies that they infest." SpaceGodzilla's words were harsh and sharp, but Father of Ultra listened intently still, keen to uncover the motive. "Crystals are the encapsulation of the infinite cosmos within a gleaming form. Perfect, repeating structure down to the smallest level, even beyond what the pathetic insects can see with their toys... Do you follow?" SpaceGodzilla's shot glanced off Ken.

The response was stoic and quick. "Go on."

"I want the universe to reflect that vision. By crystallising every planet, moon and asteroid, it will all finally be perfect. In that sense, I am the ultimate life form, as I will usher in this perfection." SpaceGodzilla's eyes flashed, his crystal body armour sizzling with green and orange energy. He could tell that his monologue was most displeasing to the Ultra, utterly repulsed by the plot.

"I won't let that happen. You will be stopped." Ken shifted his feet, the crisp and smoldering soil crunching beneath his boots, and lowered his body into a stance resembling judo. SpaceGodzilla snorted, red eyes locked on the horned giant. Before reconcealing his voice behind beastly roars, the galactic Godzilla retorted calmly and dispassionate.

"Then you'll perish with the rest."

[Voyager]

The calm before the storm.

Spoiler:

Last issue...

The Evangelion War reaches a new height, as SEELE unveils its latest super weapon - the gargantuan octopoid Mark.4444C! With its Positron Cannon powered by a legion of Mass Produced autonomous Evas, half of Paris was destroyed! The battle was down to the wire, but thankfully Shinji Ikari and his friends were able to beat back the army of evil and win the day!

Now, NERV Japan prepares for SEELE's next moves, keen on preventing Human Instrumentality at all costs. Unbeknownst to both our heroes and heels, a determined and unforeseen force is currently making its way to Earth. Will this being, encased in a shimmer of golden light, be an ally coming to uplift humanity through this dark age? Or will it be a destroyer, seeking nothing but carnage and conquest?

Find out in this month's special issue of Neon Genesis Evangelion!

========

"Okay team, the results are in!" Misato exclaimed to the band of teens, a chipper look smeared all over her face. In her hand she fluttered an official document, NERV's stamp plastered over the bottom. The Synchronisation rates for the week ending on July 22, 2017. The Tactical Operations Commander was soon joined in the room by head scientist Ritsuko Akagi, who shared in her colleague's delight, albeit masked well by a maturity and eloquence Ms Katsuragi so lacked. "After Friday's phenomenal performance, we just had to see where those rates were at!"

The blonde removed her glasses, releasing a warm glance at the kids. "Even beyond these results, we're making great strides in the progress of understanding the true power of the Evas. Now we know Units One, Two and Eight can enter an 'awakened state' of sorts. Congratulations, Mari." The brunette from Britain chuckled with feigned bashfulness, only for her face to settle upon a feline satisfaction.

"Just a trick I picked up from watching puppy boy." Mari cooed, blowing a kiss towards Shinji. An act of war in front of a certain someone.

"You've really got guts, four eyes!" Asuka barked, standing up from her seat in a pompous display of presence. "I can take your banter, I can take your trash-talk, but for the love of God, keep your perversions under control!" As one European snickered and the other snarled, a third pilot wanted to join the fray, grabbing his own face in awe as his eyes fixed on Shinji.

"There's no point in arguing, friends. We should be thankful that Ikari is such a lovely teacher." No one ever quite knew if Kaworu meant well and was genuine or merely wanted to stoke the flames, but it nevertheless sent Asuka through the ceiling.

"Oh, don't you start!" The room erupted into a back and forth, and the two adults just shrugged. These things always sorted themselves out naturally. First, Shinji would blush like a schoolgirl, second, Toji would laugh raucously, and third...

"Colonel Katsuragi and Dr Akagi are waiting, let's give them our attention." Rei would settle it. Despite how softly spoken she was, just about everyone listened and quietened down. Not a single pilot ever had a bone to pick with Rei, and she made good of it. Misato almost felt like clapping but a sharp glare from between Ritsuko's bangs stopped her in her tracks.

"Thank you, Rei. Now, without further ado, let's get started!"

Shinji Ikari, 16, son of NERV founders Gendo and Yui Ikari. First recruited on the day of the Third Angel's arrival with no previous experience, but despite all expectations proved to be a prodigy. Holds the record for the most individual Angel kills. Through what is now known to be the harnessing of the power of the Eva's soul, Shinji discovered how to control the berserk state. Pilot of Unit-01. "97.1%! Well done, Shinji!"

Rei Ayanami, physically 16, adopted daughter of Gendo and sister of Shinji. What began as an attempt to resurrect his wife, Gendo's clone of Yui awakened something in him, a fatherly instinct. A chance to right his wrongs and move forward. When she came of age, Rei became the world's first Eva pilot, setting a high bar for all that came after. Efficient, reliable, deadly. Pilot of Unit-00. "85.8%, very respectable!"

Asuka Shikinami Langley, 16, pride of the European Air Force. As intelligent as she is arrogant, Asuka graduated college at 14 and followed in her father's military footsteps. She jumped at the chance to pilot an Eva, and has been rushing in headlong ever since, no matter if it cost her an eye or leg. A ruthless fighter and a cocky pilot, Asuka's made sure NERV Japan has had the fire of Germany in their ranks. Pilot of Unit-02. "93.4%! You've surpassed your old record, Asuka!"

Kaworu Nagisa, 17, former agent of SEELE. After being sent as a spy to undermine NERV, Kaworu was disillusioned by the compassion shown towards him by Shinji. After being given a choice, Kaworu decided to retake his life from his handlers and fight for what was right, taking the battle to SEELE. His betrayal saw the rise of the first Mass Production Evangelions, the first inkling of the Evangelion War. Pilot of Unit-04. "87.9%, you're improving a ton!"

Toji Suzuhara, 16, classmate of Shinji in Class 2A. When NERV needed more pilots following the assault on the GeoFront and the hospitalisation of Asuka, Toji stepped up, remembering the times that his friends put their lives on the line to save him and the ones he loves. Toji owed it to Shinji, especially after protecting his little sister. Not spectacular at any trade, Toji fights with even more heart than his peers. Pilot of Unit-03. "71%, nicely done, Toji!"

Mari Illustrious Makinami, 17, agent of MI6 and official British envoy to NERV Japan. Sent on the recommendation of the Queen herself, Mari quickly proved to be a potent Eva pilot, dispatching a swarm of SEELE drones with ease during Operation Tsuifon. As the newest member of NERV's pilot cohort, Mari's had a lot to live up to, but with these recent successes it should be no hard accomplishment for the brit. Pilot of Unit-08. "95.6%! Awesome stuff, Mari!"

Misato flippantly dropped the file, sliding it across the table for the teens' reading pleasure whilst Ritsuko prepared a presentation on her laptop, connecting it to the projector that poked down from the ceiling. "Lights, please." The doctor called, and a technician dimmed the room as the screen at the room's front flickered to life. Slides of status reports passed them by, nothing grabbing their attention until recorded footage of yesterday's battle beamed down.

"The Mark.4444C poses a very real threat - SEELE is capable of destroying entire cities, and they're willing to do it. 51.9% of Paris's land area has been turned into a crater." Misato unsheathed a pointer stick from her jacket and began tapping at the projection. "As you can see, it got the Positron shot off due to poor spacing. Because you were all bunched up towards its front, the energy units carried on those Mark.44 walkers were allowed to charge the cannon. In short, you're all due for more exercises." There was a collective groan after that, Misato cheekily scurrying behind her friend as fast as she could to avoid the wrath.

"It'll be quick and simple. We just want to make sure you can fight effectively instead of just rushing in, and that means controlling the space around your opponent." The graphic on screen switched to a choppy 3D model, depicting little Evas sliding about on a green rectangle - the training zone. Ritsuko continued, "Field No.80 has been repaired from your last use, which is where we'll send you first thing tomorrow at 0800. You'll be against repurposed and refurbished original model MPEs, as unfortunately we don't have the specs or resources to recreate the Octopoid Eva." The scientist shot her concerned gaze towards Asuka and Mari.

"Girls, please be gentle with them. You wouldn't believe how much convincing it took for the Commander to authorise the salvaging of those poor things - especially after how you left them last time." Mari bobbed her head with glee, catching Asuka in her whimsical side-eye. The girl with the eye patch wanted to lunge across the table and strangle Mari, but Shinji calmed her down with a hand on the shoulder and a shake of the head. "That'll be all for today, great work out there guys."

"Head over to your lockers, get changed and get out of here!" Misato clicked with her mouth and pointed a finger gun as she slipped through the doorway, Ritsuko close behind clutching her laptop. "See you in the A.M. kiddos!"

***

By the time the sextet made it out of the GeoFront and back onto the surface of futuristic Tokyo-3, it was practically midnight. The still night sky somehow still glistened with stars, as the megapolis's lights were nearly null due to anti-Angel measures. Only dull street lamps lit the way home, it was nice. After some more teasing and flirting, Mari drove off back to her residence on the government side of town, staying at a fancy place secured for her by the British embassy. She snatched Kaworu along for the ride too, he still required protection for his status as a SEELE whistleblower. Thankfully, the kids thought, Kaworu's own preferences shielded him from Mari's at-times provocative advances. Asuka wouldn't wish that on her worst enemy.

Toji split off about the time they reached suburbia, opening the door to a silent house tucked away in bed. This left the original trio, NERV's lauded heroes of the century. They'd been in the game the longest, and while their beginnings were certainly rocky, Shinji, Rei and Asuka had grown to appreciate and love each other in a purity formed through perseverance. Walking along the rain-soaked bitumen, they chatted the night away, remembering old laughs and battles.

Misato's apartment stood tall on their right. "You looked stupid in that costume, Shinji. I'm thankful every day that she didn't rope me into that plan." Rei jeered, lips squeezed to form her usually tiny grin.

"Yeah, well, we had to! Y'know... dancing was integral to the, uh..." He let out a sight. "Help me out here, Asuka."

"No, I agree with Rei, you looked stupid alright."

"You wore the unitard and crop top too."

"I said you looked stupid, Shinji." the ginger snorted with a laugh. "I've never looked ridiculous a day in my life, and it'd do you good to remember that."

"Whatever you say, Ms Magma Balloon." Shinji sung, holding his hands behind his head as the comment worked its magic. Asuka's face curled wryly and she nearly wound up a sock to Shinji's face. Maybe two years ago she'd actually hit him, but this time Asuka's arm wrapped itself around Shinji's neck, and she drew him into her muzzle.

"Thin ice, Ikari, thin ice!" she whispered, pecking him on the cheek. The three got to the Ikari residence, and sitting down on the steps to the front door, just looked at the city before them. How it still stood after all these battles against Angels and men alike amazed them. The city was much like themselves - resilient, and yet, never safe. That was just how the world was, especially in their profession. Close-calls were all too common. Rei and Asuka, the two people dearest to him, had both nearly died on multiple occasions. Rei was lucky that her angelic infection had no lasting affects beyond keeping her comatose for weeks. Then when the chips were down, SEELE attacked and ending up taking Asuka's eye.

On that day, Unit-01 drenched in the blood of slaughtered white devils, Shinji Ikari promised that no one would ever hurt his loved ones again.

"I'm starting to think we'll be fighting this war 'til we're 80." Asuka purred, head rested on his shoulder.

"And I'll still be there with you. Even if we're senile and being bossed around by Misato's grandchildren..." A chilling silence filled the air. "Asuka?"

"What?"

"Half of Paris was wiped out. That's thousands of people I wasn't able to save, and it's happened before. It wrenches out my guts every time I realise just what we're not doing, and... I'm scared it'll happen to us. What if it's Misato, or Kaworu, or... you? Or Rei?"

"That's just part of the job, my love. There will be people you can't save, and that's not your fault, because you're always trying your hardest to do the right thing. Shinji, you just have to keep fighting. If you lose me or anyone else, you have to fight on." By this point Asuka held him by cheeks, not letting a single glance of his land anywhere but on her own eye. It eased him to sink into that blue eye, like he were falling into a milky blanket of warmth and comfort. It reminded Shinji of how far he'd come, and how lucky he was to have someone like Asuka by his side. "Got it? Kay. Love you, mein Schatz. Rei's waiting, so you better get inside, I gotta head home anyway. Auf Wiedersehen!"

"Bye!" The siblings shouted in a whisper. With nothing left to do but go inside and get rest, something, or rather someone, immediately came to both their minds. Shinji and Rei swapped looks.

"It's late, I wonder if he's..." Rei asked.

"Oh, definitely, he'll still be up."

Opening the door, there was nothing unusual. The lights were on, the TV running on low volume, and an overhead fan fighting against the eternal summer heat. It was a liminal space, a sense of emptiness in spite of the various decorations and signs of life. But the kids knew what it was, not emptiness, just how things were run in the Ikari house by the man in charge. And speak of the devil, as Shinji and Rei turned the first corner, there he was. A tall, gangly man, with a scruffy beard latched around his chin. Everyone that ever met him were enfolded by his aura and presence, a dark captivation for such a mysterious figure. The Commander of NERV Japan, one of the most powerful men in the world.

"Hey dad," Shinji murmured softly, a tinge of a smile on his face. Gendo was kneeling on the ground with a lowered head, but hearing the voice of his son turned him around. "We're home." The father smiled back to his children, standing up to face them.

"Shinji, Rei." The three embraced, Gendo caressing the back of Shinji's hair whilst he kissed Rei's forehead. They hadn't seen each other face-to-face in over a day, when they were deployed to Europe. The way he looked at them, his eyes had a sparkle of joy that could have so easily been lost forever. Discarding Shinji after his wife's death was the worst mistake he ever made, and every moment since has been trying to reconcile for that. "How were your days? Fuyutsuki reminded me you had your synchronisation tests today, did they go well?"

"Yes, I'd say so. We both got very high results." Rei chimed in, nudging Shinji with her elbow. He was so proud of them - everything about his kids, from their bravery and defiance of odds to their very appearance, it all reminded Gendo of the woman he loves. "I hope we didn't disturb you, father."

His eyes filled with happiness. "No, Rei, I'm glad both of you came while I'm still awake. --I'm only old, y'know--." he laughed. "Come, please, sit with me." Shinji and Rei knelt beside their father on the ground, six eyes all locked on the same thing with a somber but bittersweet expression falling on them. Before them was an altar - it wasn't very intricate, not traditionally buddhist or shinto. Gendo was not the man for that. It was simply a raised wooden platform with a single photo. It was of Yui Ikari. The Ikaris sat in silence.

The funny thing was Yui was still with them, in more ways than one. Gendo never hid Rei's origins from her, and while it took a long time for her to fully grasp - then accept - the love between them never faltered. This girl with Yui's face was not his wife, but his daughter, the daughter he adores. And Shinji, day in and day out, was literally one with his mother. Her soul resided in Unit-01, fighting alongside her son and protecting him from those that wish the world harm. Knowing that made Gendo's sorrow melt away, bit by bit.

"Your mother would be... must be, so proud of the people you've become. I know times are tough, but moments like these are why we do the things we do. Before you were born, Rei, after your mother passed, I was so struck with grief... I actually considered the offer Instrumentality. I... I don't know how I could have done such a thing, or if I could have gone through with it. Now, I know for certain that I made the right choice. Saving lives, making sure people all over the world can cherish each other in the moment. You two beautiful children saved me. Thank you."

Weariness took over them, and each retreated to their rooms. Sleep had to be had for what was planned, what was going to happen. They had a big day ahead of them tomorrow.