The heroes continued their fight against Starburst and the Galactic Brothers. They have survived all the dangers so far against Destructo and Nimbus, but can they survive Starburst's challenge?
As Zelfire was catching his breath, he saw Galactica holding Piper by the neck, and decided to go help.
Zelfire: "Let him go!"
Galactica: "Are you talking to me?"
Zelfire: "Yeah, you!"
"Fine." He threw Piper on the ground. Zelfire rushed to help him up while he gasped for air. Galactica saw his brother on the ground and helped him up.
Galactica: "Looks like they roughed you up, bro! You can't even handle them..."Galactus: "It's not fair. You get the shitty earthling, but my hands are full with the other earthling and Kane."
Galactus: "I think it's time."
Kane: "Time for what?"
Galactica: "Time to show you what we can do together."
The warrior brothers leaped into the air at the same time and stopped at the same point. Their movements were so identical it was as if they were one person.
Galactus: "Experience the power of the Galactic Brothers, the strongest team in the universe!"
Zelfire: "No way!"
A barrier formed around the brothers. Now, the heroes were really scared.
The brothers together used the Galactic Blast, and it was so powerful that it knocked them far way! The destruction it had caused was devastating. Almost the whole forest had been destroyed. They were amazed at the brothers' power. They flew into the air and attacked the brothers, but were no match for them as they fought as one.
Kane: "How can this be? When they fight together, they're almost invincible!"Zelfire: "They are a strong team. They also have an advantage in the air. We need to get them at ground level."
Piper: "That's gonna be hard." The brothers split up and charged at them. The fight continued and heroes were getting tired.
Galactus: "They're wearing out. It's time to finish them off."
Galactica: "We'll finish them off one by one." He looked at Piper. "That earthling on the right seems to be the weakest. He'll be the first one."
Galactus: "Right." The brothers attacked only Piper and ignored Kane and Zelfire.
Piper: "Why are they after only me? Oh I get it, they want to eliminate us one by one!"
Kane: "Guys, when those two are fighting together, they're unstoppable."
Zefire: "Are you saying we have to separate them?"
Kane: "Exactly."
They tried to separate the brothers, but it was no use.
Terry and Starburst continued firing energy beams at each other and every time they were real close to hitting each other. Terry fired the Ultra Blast and got lucky. Starburst blocked it, but he still suffered the damage. He was frying like an oven!
Starburst: "Why you! I'll make you pay for that!" He blasted a wave of energy that was shaped like a star.
Terry quickly avoided it, but he didn't stop it from hitting the ground, producing a huge kaboom. A bunch of smoke covered the place. When the smoke faded away, there was big star-shaped hole on the ground, burning like a barbeque.
Terry: "W-What did he do?"
Starburst: "They don't call me Starburst for nothing! I just put my symbol on the ground. Isn't it neat?"
Terry: "You almost destroyed an entire forest!"
"I know! What you've seen is just a small sample of what I can do. I have made much bigger stars on other planets…so big that it can be seen from space! I use this to mark my victory. I use this move every time before I win the fight."
"I think you used it too early. You haven't won yet."
"I always win! No one has been able to overcome my challenge. It's only a matter of time for you."
"I'll prove you wrong."
"You can try." He whacked Terry into the hole and they continued fighting in there.
The Galactic Brothers were still beating the heroes. They formed a barrier around them to protect from all attacks. Kane, Piper and Zelfire shot energy beams at them, but it was no use. The brothers remained unharmed. Then the brothers sent a wave of energy at them. Whoosh! They were blown back like paper by a strong wind.
Kane: "There's got to be a way to stop them!"
Suddenly, Zorton dropped in from no where to help them.
Zorton: "We have to fire at them at the same time, this is the only way!"
Galactus: "Where did that red guy came from?"
Galactica: "Who cares? They will all die!"
The four heroes together fired their biggest beams and destroyed the barrier.
The beams were too much for the brothers, and they were blown away.
Zelfire: "We did it! We won!"
They might have beaten the Galactic brothers, but the fight between Mason and Starburst continued and it was intensifying every second. Despite Terry's determination and non-giving up attitude, he was losing badly.
Starburst got behind Terry wrapped his neck with his tail. He was losing air and if he doesn't do something quick, he's a goner.
Starburst: "What's the matter? Am I squeezing you too tight?"
Terry (choking): "Arrrk..."
The sayan concentrated his energy into his hands and touched Starburst's tail. It was frying and smoking! He quickly let go and blew his tail as a person would blow his arm if he was burned. Terry seized the chance by breathing a lot of air, then he hit Starburst. Starburst fired a razor disc and as it charged at Terry and slashed his arm. But thanks to his quickness, that could have been his stomach.
Starburst noticed his hand was bleeding and commented, "Awww, I guess you weren't fast enough!"
"Why you…"
They ran into each other. Starburst blurred. Terry was like, "huh?" Starburst appeared behind him, and kicked him in the back Wham! While being catapulted in the air, Starburst hit him some more, giving him a good combo.
Terry was lying on the ground, unable to get up. Starburst had him right where he wanted him. He stepped on his stomach and his arms. Terry screamed in pain.
"AAAAAHHHH!"
Starburst: "What's wrong? Did I hurt you too much? Maybe I should be softer on you..."
"Get off me!"
"I will, but by that time, you'll be dead."
"Why you..."
Starburst: "Don't worry; I'll finish you off quickly. You won't feel a thing at all!"
"You're a cold blooded killer! You see fighting as entertainment! You..."
Starburst: "I don't even have blood. But you are right, I enjoy fighting, and killing my opponents. Fighting is kind of entertaining…well, unless if you're losing. Is there anything wrong with that?"
"What's wrong is that you're taking lives away who didn't want to be taken away." said Terry.
Starburst: "Think of it as hobby. You have hobbies, don't you Mason?" He stepped on his chest harder.
"AAAAAHHHH! You'll...you'll never win!"
Terry was really angry at this point. He charged up energy on his hands, and formed a ball.
Starburst: "What?!" The energy ball pushed Starburst into the air. Terry got back on his feet and fired the Ultra Blast at Starburst. Kaboom! He exploded in the air. In a fit of rage, Terry continued to shoot at the explosion as he screamed like a mad man.
Starburst fell on the ground and this time he was burned worse than ever. A voice cried out from ground level.
"Well done Mason!" Zorton jumped down. "Congratulations."
"Zorton? Thank you."
The fight was finally over. What seemed like half an hour seemed like an eternity for Terry. His shirt was mostly ripped, and he had scratches all over his body. There were holes on his pants. Blood was dripping from his mouth. This was the most intense fight Mason had ever experienced.
Suddenly, Starburst awakened. He was so badly hurt he had to struggle to get up. He flew into the air and screamed, "I'll get you for this Mason! It isn't over yet!"
Terry: "He's just a sore loser."
The others went into the star-shaped hole to join them.
Leila: "It's over at last! Oh Terry, you look terrible!"
Zelfire: "Did you..."
"Yeah, I won. We won't be seeing Starburst for a while."
Piper: "Hey, did you notice that this place is almost shaped like a-"
"Star? Starburst was responsible for this."
Piper: "There is one thing good about him...he's a good artist." Everybody was laughing and smiling except for Zorton and Kane. Zorton's expression was hidden behind the mask so no one noticed his worried face.
Zelfire: "What's wrong Kane, you don't look so great, is something wrong?"
Kane: "Uh, nothing. Nothing's wrong."
Zelfire: "Are you alright?"
Kane: "I'm fine." Kane left by himself.
"Something's got to be wrong. I've never seen Kane so gloomy like that before..."
Days later, Terry was still injured, with a cast on his left arm, and bandages and wrappings on his legs, head, and body. "Oh, man. I don't know how much longer I can take this. I can't do anything around here."
Zorton: "Don't worry, Mason. Sayans heal faster than normal people do. You'll be back in action in no time."
Mason: "Really? That's great! I can't wait to get rid of these bandages off my body. You know, whenever I get injured and see a doctor, they always get surprised at how fast I heal. I guess took it for granted. I never knew it had to do with what I am."
Zorton: "What you are? You mean, you are a sayan too?"
"Yeah, how did you know?"
"I can tell from the first time I met you. You can easily tell if someone is a sayan."
"Oh really. Cuz I don't know." Terry said, rubbing his head and laughing.
Zorton walked out of the room.
Only Terry and Kane remained.
"So, Terry…have you been thinking about this lately?"
"Think about…you mean that?"
"Yes. I've noticed that you don't admit that you're a sayan to your enemies. Do you still deny that you are a part of that species?"
Terry got all serious. "Honestly, I think sayans have no shame. They are cold-blooded murderers. But I am what I am. I'm Terry Spade. That's all that matters."
Kane: "Oh, I see."
It seemed that Spade has accepted his heritage little by little. But Kane knows there's still a conflict deep within Terry. A really deep, boiling conflict.
Terry, Leila, Zelfire and Piper were really happy ever since the victory. They seemed like they didn't have a care in the world (or the universe). However, Kane was still unhappy, and they're noticing it more and more.
Piper: "Kane, you've barely said anything in days. What's wrong? You look like Armageddon is coming.
Kane: "Don't say that!"
Piper: "Okay…my bad."
Terry: "Piper is right. You have been acting real strange these few days. If there's anything that's bothering you, you can tell us. You can trust us, as we have trusted you."
Kane: "…"
Zelfire: "Yeah, Kane. We're your friends. You can tell us anything."
Zorton: "I think you should tell them. They have a right to know."
Kane: "Okay, fine. But this is really bad news."
Leila: "What is it?"
Kane: "A few days ago, Terry has defeated Starburst..."
"Can you tell us what we don't know already?" Leila said.
"You might think this is a good thing, but it's really not. You guys have angered Starburst, and he won't stop coming after you until you're dead."
Terry: "Don't worry about that. I beat him once. I can do it again."
Zorton: "No, it's not that simple."
Piper: "You know about this too?"
Kane: "You see, Starburst is one of Dark Spectre's main henchmen.
Terry: "That name again...Who is he?"
Kane: "Only the strongest and most supreme being in the universe."
Zelfire: "No way!"
Kane: "I'm afraid we are all doomed. If you anger Starburst, he'll tell this to
Dark Spectre, and he'll send his army after you!"
Piper: "B-But....we didn't do anything to Dark Spectre."
Kane: "That's true...but he considers you as a threat, Mason…uhh…sorry, Terry. As the ruler of the universe, he must do what every leader does, which is to maintain power. He mustn't let any fighter become too strong, fearing he might be overthrown. So, he eliminates all threats, and whoever he considers a threat...Trust me. I've seen it before. He has killed numerous warriors, and none were even close to beating him."
"I don't care what he sends against me. I can take his whole army, if they try to kill me."
Kane: "You just don't get it, do you? This is not like any situation like Destructo, or the G-Force, this is the leader of the whole universe we're talking about!"
Piper: "So, in other words, we've become the most wanted criminals in the
whole universe?"
Zorton: "The true criminal is Dark Spectre. He has taken so many innocent lives through the war."
Kane: "Mason, I know you're strong, but there's no way you can withstand his entire Dark Empire. Do you realize how many planets he controls, and how many soldiers are on each planet?! Besides, look at yourself. You're in no condition to fight. Even if you can take his army out, there's no way you can take Dark Spectre. When he comes attack us in person, we all are goners!"
Zelfire (in denial): "This is not happening..."
"So, we can't fight them. What do you suggest we do?" Piper asked.
Kane: "There's only one option here, flee to another planet and hide."
Terry: "What? No way! I'm not running away from him. We have to stand up to him."
Zorton: "Listen everybody, Kane is right. We either flee this planet or perish, along with planet earth."
Piper (also in denial): "You're kidding, right? Tell me this is just a joke..."
Kane: "Do I look like I'm joking around?"
Piper: "We have to leave our planet to go somewhere else?"
Kane: "I'm afraid so. Starburst saw all of us, so we all have to leave, especially Terry."
Zelfire: "But this is so sudden. How will we get there? Where are we gonna go?"
Kane: "I know this is a shock to all of you, but we can't deny this. We have to do
it, for the safety of us, and this whole planet of people. I'm sorry guys."
Zelfire: "Alright, we'll go."
Kane: "Ok, I'll go arrange everything."
Terry sat down on a chair, wandering into deep thought. He felt helpless that he can't fight, and angry and sad that he has to leave his home…his home for his whole life.
But he's never seen Kane talk like this before. Is this what's been bothering him for the past few days. Fear of the big empire? Is this what made him so gloomy and stressed out?
Leila: "Guys, I'm coming with you..."
Piper: "W-What did you say?"
Zelfire: "Are you sure about this? You don't have to do this. Starburst doesn't consider you as a threat. He wants us, not you."
Leila: "Yeah, but..."
Piper: "Leila, do you understand the situation? You want to leave your home to come with us? We're going into outer space. Who knows what we'll encounter there?"
Zelfire: "It's too dangerous Leila. You can't come. We can't let anything happen to you!"
Piper: "Hey Terry, say something!"
Terry was still in deep thought and he couldn't hear a word Piper said.
Leila: "I know what I'm doing, guys. I can't just leave you guys! We've been friends our whole lives, and we've been through everything together. You guys are my life, don't you get it?"
It was a real emotional moment for everybody.
Leila: "Starburst saw me as well. Don't worry, I'll be extra careful, and I won't get in your way."
Piper: "Leila..."
Zelfire was dumbfounded.
"I think we should let her come. It's her choice she wants to come. It's no one else's." Terry said finally.
Piper: "Terry..."
"She's right. We've known each other since we were little. If we left her, she would be very lonely. Friends stick together forever, through thick and through thin."
Leila: "Thanks."
All four together: "Friends forever!" They put their hands together and formed a unified fist and Kane hesitated and then joined them. Zorton didn't join it.
Later, Zorton was training and Kane was inside the space pod. He was trying to contact the sayan colony on Mascus. He pressed some buttons on the control panel and something popped up on the screen.
Inside the control room of the colony, Jerrell just received Kane's transmission. The picture on the screen was blurry and choppy, but he could see Kane and could hear him slightly.
Kane: "...You've got to help us Jerrell."
Jerrell: "Ok, I understand. I'll send some one right away to pick you and your friends up."
A figure entered the room, walking towards the screen. She kneeled down behind Jerrell. She was outfitted in the same combat suit as the other sayans were.
"Let me go, Jerrell." said Margarita.
Jerrell: "Are you sure about this, Margarita? This is only a rescue mission; I don't need a first class fighter on this. Besides, I thought you were only interested in fighting?"
"I know. I don't need to take this simple mission, but I really want to. I miss Kane a lot. Plus, I heard he met another sayan."
Jerrell: "You are really excited about meeting Mason, aren't you?"
Margarita: "You're right. You know too much about me."
Jerrell (smiling): "Margrit...I've known you my whole life. There isn't one thing
that I don't know about you."
Margarita: "Right. So...can I go?"
Jerrell: "Normally, I wouldn't put any fighters like you in unnecessary danger.
But since it's you, I'll make an exception."
Margarita: "Thank you Jerrell!"
Jerrell: "Oh, and by the way, Mason is injured, so don't hurt him too much."
"Yes, I understand!" she said, smiling.
As the heroes packed their belongings, preparing for the journey of a lifetime, Terry had something to say.
"Guys, I have something I'd like to say."
"Sure, what is it?" Leila asked. They noticed how serious he was.
"What happened in the past few months was…nothing less than crazy. I've discovered and learned many things. About the universe. And also about myself." He looked at Kane, who glanced back at him. They were exchanging thoughts. "I've hardly brought up this topic, but you guys know that I'm a sayan. I'm not one of you." Then he pulled up his sleeve. "This birthmark on my arm proves it."
Piper laughed. "Is that all? It's no big deal. You're still our friend. Whether you're a human or a sayan, it doesn't make you any less of a friend. You're just good ol' Terry Spade."
Terry: "You guys remember Renegade and the Destructo gang, don't you?"
Kane: "Ugh, don't even remind me."
"Well, when I was fighting him, he told me a little big about the Great War. It was a pretty intense fight. I've learned some things about myself." (He's my brother.) "And as you know, my sayan name is Mason. It was the name I was born with. People have been calling me Mason and Terry, Mason and Terry…"
Zelfire: "Both are the same. You are still you."
"I also learned that I can't deny the past, or my heritage. I am what I am. So, in the future, to avoid confusion, please call me Mason."
Piper: "Is that what you really want?"
Mason: "Yes. I just want to be called by my real name. It isn't too much to ask, is it?"
Leila: "Not at all! Whether you're Terry or Mason, you're still you."
Zelfire: "Sure, there's no problem, Terr-uh, I mean Mason."
Piper: "Mason...that just doesn't sound right."
Zorton: "You'll get used to it."
Kane: "Oh by the way, people, I've already contacted Mascus. The pilots will be coming to pick us up shortly."
Leila: "What kind of place is Mascus?"
Kane: "It's a great place to be. Mascus is a planet located in the S-Sector. We have a sayan colony, founded by our leader, Jerrell. It's one of the best places to be if you're a rebel fighting against the Dark Empire. You can say they are sayan-kind's last hope. Not all sayans are bad, you see. I am one of them too."
Meanwhile, Starburst was in the Battalion, inside the healing chamber. He contacted a certain some one from a distant planet called Murai. A dark figure appeared on the screen.
"So, you've been defeated by a fighter superior to you. Hmm, I never thought I'd see this day come."
Starburst: "He is not stronger than me. I just let my guard down."
"Don't take it so hard. I've heard rumors that he killed several top class fighters, now I think those rumors are true. I don't care how strong he is, anyone who opposes me will die."