The Ultraman Mebius EPILOGUE: Ghost Rebirth

It had been a month since the defeat of Alien Empera-a month since Ultraman Mebius and the valiant GUYS team had stood victorious over darkness. Yet, in the aftermath of that hard-fought battle, peace was not as easy to find.Ultraman Hikari sought solace on Planet Arb, a world once filled with vibrant life but now left desolate, its inhabitants wiped out by the ruthless Bogarl. The planet's barren landscape stretched out beneath a dark, overcast sky. The air was still, the silence of a place untouched by life for so long pressing down like an invisible weight.Hikari stood alone on a rocky plateau, staring out over a canyon that seemed to descend endlessly into darkness. His mind was a storm of unresolved questions and lingering fears. Though he had resumed his duties as chief of the Science and Technology Bureau, his heart was heavy with the memories of battles fought and friends lost."This place... it's so quiet," Hikari murmured to himself, the sound of his voice almost swallowed by the vast emptiness around him. "Too quiet, even for a planet like this."He closed his eyes, hoping to find some semblance of inner calm. Yet, no matter how hard he tried, the silence only seemed to amplify the disquiet in his heart. The absence of life on Arb mirrored the void he felt inside-a void that could not be filled, no matter how much he tried to bury it beneath his work and his responsibilities.Then, without warning, the air grew frigid. A chill ran down his spine as a strange sensation washed over him-a presence that felt both foreign and disturbingly familiar. The sky above, already dark, seemed to grow darker still, as if an unseen force were leeching the light from the very heavens.A voice echoed across the barren landscape, a deep, mocking tone that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once."You think you can escape from your past? From what you truly are?"The voice resonated with a cold malice, its words slicing through the stillness like a knife. Hikari's eyes snapped open, his body tensing. He looked around, but saw nothing-no source for the voice, no movement, only the endless stretch of desolation."Who's there?" he called out, his voice firm despite the tension in his chest. "Show yourself!"But there was no reply-only a sinister laugh that seemed to reverberate through the very ground beneath his feet. The earth began to tremble, and Hikari could feel an immense, dark energy building around him, pulling at the edges of his consciousness.Suddenly, the ground beneath him cracked and split open. A swirling vortex of shadow appeared, a dimensional hole that seemed to lead into the very heart of darkness itself. Hikari stumbled back, but the pull of the vortex was strong, dragging him closer to the edge."No... this can't be!" he shouted, fighting against the force that was dragging him down. He raised his arm, summoning every ounce of his strength to send out an Ultra Sign-a desperate SOS, a cry for help across the vast expanse of space.A brilliant light shot forth from his hand, a beacon that pierced through the darkness of the sky above, racing towards the Land of Light. It was a signal-a warning that something terrible was happening, a plea for the Ultra Warriors to respond.The darkness was relentless, and with one final surge, it pulled him into the abyss. The dimensional hole closed with a deafening roar, leaving behind only silence.And in the silence, the malevolent voice echoed one last time-a whisper on the wind."There is no escape... Hikari."Planet Arb returned to its desolate stillness, the wind howling mournfully over the empty plains. The Ultra Sign continued its journey, a solitary light in the dark reaches of space-a harbinger of a new threat, and the beginning of a battle yet to come.(Title card)41 years ago, Earth was being threatened by monsters and invaders. When happiness on Earth was in danger, they came from a faraway place known as the Land of Light. They are the Ultra Brothers. Now, after returning to the Land of Light, a young warrior is ready to embark on a new journey in his life. His name is... Ultraman Mebius!The Ultra Coliseum was alive with energy. It was a place of both tradition and challenge, where young warriors honed their skills under the watchful eyes of their seniors. Today was no different, and the crowd of trainees were buzzing with anticipation."Next up, Mebius and Taiga!" the announcer called, his voice echoing through the arena.Mebius stepped forward, his presence commanding respect. His opponent, Taiga, followed closely behind, his face determined. Taiga was a young Ultra, eager to prove himself, and today he would face his mentor.The two stood across from each other in the ring, the air between them crackling with unspoken tension. Taiga's fists were clenched, his stance low and ready. He had been training diligently, pushing himself beyond his limits, all in preparation for this moment. Mebius, on the other hand, stood tall and relaxed, his eyes calm yet focused.The signal to begin was given, and Taiga charged forward with a burst of speed, his fist aiming straight for Mebius's midsection. Mebius sidestepped gracefully, his movements fluid and precise. He was untouchable. Taiga tried again, this time with a flurry of kicks and punches, each move faster than the last. But Mebius anticipated every attack, dodging with ease and countering with a light tap to Taiga's shoulder, just enough to unbalance him.The crowd watched in awe as the two Ultras moved like lightning, a dance of strength and skill. Taiga gave it his all, but Mebius remained a step ahead, every motion calculated and deliberate. The young Ultra's frustration was growing, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the fight. He had learned much since Mebius had left for Earth, and he was determined to show it.Finally, with a swift and elegant sweep, Mebius knocked Taiga to the ground, ending the sparring match. The crowd erupted into cheers, and Mebius extended a hand to his fallen student."You've improved greatly, Taiga," Mebius said with a warm smile, helping him to his feet. "Your training has paid off. I'm impressed."Taiga, panting and covered in sweat, managed a grin. "Thank you, sensei! I've been training hard while you were on Earth. I wanted to be stronger for the next time we fought."Mebius nodded, patting him on the back. "And it shows. Keep up the good work."As they left the ring, a young Ultra came rushing toward them, practically bouncing with excitement. His eyes were wide with admiration, and he wore a grin that stretched from ear to ear. It was Z, a trainee himself, and a huge fan of the Ultra Brothers."Mebius-niisan! That was Ultra-amazing!" Z exclaimed, his voice filled with awe."If not mistaken, you're Z, right? A relative of Ace-niisan?" Mebius recognized the entity."Yes! I've been following your battles on Earth, and I'm such a huge fan! Could you... would you spar with me next?"Taiga rolled his eyes slightly, though he hid it well. Z was a bit older than him but still new to the ranks of the trainees. Despite his enthusiasm, Taiga found the fanboy energy a bit much.Mebius chuckled, amused by Z's excitement. "I'd be happy to, Z. Let's see what you've got."Z's eyes sparkled with excitement, and he practically jumped up and down. "Really? Ultra-awesome! I promise I won't disappoint you!"Taiga sighed, a small smirk forming on his lips. "Try not to get too excited, Z-san. You might wear yourself out before the fight even begins."Before Z could respond, a voice called out from behind them. It was one of the senior instructors named Hans, a seasoned Ultra with a stern expression. "Mebius, Head Instructor Taro called. You're needed at the HQ."Mebius nodded, turning back to Z. "Looks like our sparring will have to wait, Z. But I promise, we'll have our match soon."Z's face fell for a moment, but he quickly recovered, giving a firm nod. As Mebius left the arena, Taiga turned to Z with a teasing grin. "Huh, looks like you'll have to wait a bit longer to show off your skills, Z-san."Z frowned slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed. "At least I'm not the one who got knocked down in the ring today..."Before the banter could escalate, Hans, the instructor who had summoned Mebius turned his sharp gaze on them. "Enough chatter, you two. If you have time to bicker, you have time to train. Get back to your exercises!"Taiga and Z quickly straightened up, nodding in unison. "Yes, sir!"A while later, Mebius stepped into the briefing room at the Intergalactic Defense Force's headquarters and the atmosphere inside was tense, the air filled with a quiet sense of urgency. Around the central console stood several senior officers, their expressions grim. Among them were Taro, a commanding presence, his eyes sharp with concern; Max and Xenon, both members of the Civilization Guardian Department, their postures alert and ready for action.On the large screen before them, a live broadcast flickered. Neos and Seven 21, two seasoned Ultras, were in the midst of an investigation on a distant planet. The scene was a stark wasteland, the ground cracked and dry, with strange rock formations casting long shadows in the dim light.Mebius moved closer to Taro, who acknowledged his presence with a brief nod. "I'm here, master." Taro's gaze remained fixed on the screen, but he spoke without turning. "Mebius, when was the last time you were in contact with Hikari?"Mebius thought for a moment, recalling his last communication with his fellow Ultra. "It was about three weeks ago," he replied. "He mentioned he was going to Arb for a break, but I haven't heard from him since then."Taro's expression darkened, a hint of worry crossing his face. "Hikari has been missing since then. No one has heard from him, and his signal went dark around the same time."Mebius's eyes widened in shock. "We did receive an Ultra Sign coming from Arb, but it's distorted... Therefore, it couldn't be interpreted." Xenon added.Before they could continue, the live broadcast on the screen began to flicker, static interrupting the feed. Neos and Seven 21, who had been moving cautiously through the terrain, suddenly looked around, their movements becoming hurried and tense."Neos, Chief Seven 21, do you copy?" Taro called out, his voice firm. But there was no response, only more static filling the room. The officers exchanged worried glances."What's happening?!" Mebius asked, stepping forward, his eyes locked on the screen.An operator at the console quickly typed on their controls, scanning for any signal. "Their transmission has gone offline, sir," the operator reported. "But I'm picking up a signal... It's faint, but it appears to be their last known location.""Where?" Taro asked, his tone urgent.The operator's hands flew over the console, and a new image appeared on the screen: a pulsating red dot on a star map, located at a specific point in space. "It's here, sir," the operator said."Right at the entrance to an Ultra Zone portal." Max said while looking at the live image of the location on the screen."That means we're entering the Monster Graveyard..." Mebius said nervously.The room fell silent. Ultra Zones were mysterious, dangerous dimensions that few dared to enter without preparation. For Neos and Seven 21 to be near one could only mean trouble.Taro didn't hesitate. "Mebius, Max, Xenon-you're to dispatch immediately. Find out what happened to Neos and Seven 21 and retrieve them if possible. Be cautious; Ultra Zones are unpredictable."Mebius nodded, his expression serious. "Understood. Let's go, Xenon-niisan, Max-niisan!" he said, already preparing himself mentally for the mission ahead.Just as the three Ultras turned to leave, a voice called out from the back of the room. "Lead Instructor Taro, wait!" It was Filis, a blue Ultra with a bandaged arm, a recent patient at the Silver Cross Aid. He stepped forward, his face determined despite the injury."Let me go with them," Filis said, his tone resolute. "I was with Hikari when he went missing. I know more about the situation than anyone else here."Taro considered him for a moment. Filis had just recovered from his injuries, but his resolve was clear. "Are you sure you're up for this, Filis?" Taro asked, his tone softer but still commanding.Filis nodded firmly. "Yes, sir. I owe it to Hikari to help find him. He saved me back there... It's my turn to repay the favor."Taro studied him for a brief moment before giving a decisive nod. "Very well, Filis. You may join them. But stay sharp and follow Xenon's lead."Filis smiled, a hint of relief mixed with determination. "Thank you, Lead Instructor Taro. I won't let you down."With the mission now set, Mebius, Max, Xenon, and Filis quickly made their way out of the briefing room, the weight of their task heavy on their shoulders. As they prepared to depart, Mebius couldn't help but feel a surge of determination. Hikari was out there somewhere, and it was up to them to bring him back.As the four Ultras-Mebius, Max, Xenon, and Filis-took off from the Land of Light, the sight of their departure caught the attention of Taiga and Z, who were in the middle of a training session nearby. They paused, watching the bright trails left by their seniors streak across the sky."Looks like they're heading out on a mission," Taiga remarked, shielding his eyes with his hand as he gazed upwards.Z nodded, his eyes wide with awe. "I wonder what it's about. Must be something serious for Mebius-niisan and the others to leave in such a hurry."Before they could speculate further, a fellow trainee approached them briskly. "You two, stop daydreaming! We've got guard duty to attend to. Move it!"Taiga and Z quickly snapped back to attention, setting aside their curiosity for the time being. As they moved toward their assigned posts, they couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Something big was happening.Meanwhile, in the depths of space...The four Ultras flew swiftly toward the designated coordinates where the Ultra Zone portal was located. As they approached, a swirling vortex of energy materialized before them, the entrance to the mysterious and unpredictable dimension known as the Ultra Zone."Stay sharp, everyone," Xenon cautioned. "We don't know what we'll find in there."The others nodded, steeling themselves as they dove into the portal.Upon entering, they found themselves in a vast, empty expanse. The darkness seemed to stretch infinitely, with only a few stray satellite objects drifting aimlessly in the void."Where are the Kaiju souls? They should be scattered around here," Mebius asked while looking at the unfamiliar surroundings.In the distance, they spotted a peculiar three-ringed object, looped around one another in a trefoil knot, hovering eerily. "There," Max pointed. "Maybe it could lead to something. Let's check it out."As they flew closer, an eerie chill crept through the air. The temperature seemed to plummet, and a thick mist began to form, obscuring their vision."So cold... Guys, be careful," Xenon warned, his voice tense. "Something doesn't feel right."Without warning, a blast of solid ice emerged from the mist, headed toward Mebius. He barely had time to react, sending him spiraling downward, crashing onto a floating asteroid."Mebius!" Max shouted. He and Xenon immediately flew to Mebius to check on him. In that time, a figure appeared from the shadows, laughing menacingly. It turned out to be one of the Four Heavenly Kings; Alien Groza Grozam."It's finally my turn, the immortal Grozam. I'll have all of your heads as a token for my revenge." Grozam re-introduced himself to his enemies."Grozam, you should have been defeated! How?!" Xenon asked in confusion."As long as you Warriors of Light exists... we'll come back as many times as we want!" Grozam yelled. Max and Xenon bursts towards him for a counterattack in which Grozam continued to dodge every move they make. Mebius ran for an assist but as he closed in, two more figures emerged in the form of Inpelaizers, through teleportation. Their eyes lit up with a menacing red hue, and they began firing rapid energy blasts while spinning."Take cover!" Xenon yelled, dodging a volley of blasts. The four Ultras scattered, diving behind nearby rocks that provided minimal shelter from the relentless barrage.However, the Inpelaizers were relentless, their X-ray vision cutting through the mist, tracking every move the Ultras made. Energy blasts pounded their rocky cover, breaking off chunks and sending debris flying in all directions.Mebius quickly assessed the situation. They needed a distraction-something to throw off the Inpelaizers' sensors. An idea formed in his mind."Niisan-tachi! I got an idea. Follow my lead!" Mebius said, his voice firm. "When I do, head to the object! I'll follow you soon,"Max and Xenon prepared themselves, nodding in understanding. Mebius focused his energy, and with a swift motion, he unleashed his Mebium Pitfall technique. The ground beneath the Inpelaizers erupted, scattering rocks and debris into the air, creating a chaotic cloud of dust."Now!" Mebius shouted.Taking advantage of the confusion, Max, Xenon, and Filis darted towards the direction of the three-ringed object. The sudden burst of movement caught the Inpelaizers off guard, their sensors momentarily scrambled by the scattering rock bits.Mebius, meanwhile, remained behind, darting through the air with high-speed movements, dodging the blasts aimed his way. He zigzagged across the misty expanse, moving too fast for the Inpelaizers to lock onto him effectively."Damn you, Ultras!" Grozam screamed in agony. "Find them!" the latter ordered his robots, while Mebius tensely waiting for the chance for attack.With Mebius staying behind on the satellite object to fend off the enemies, Xenon, Max, and Filis found themselves alone at the three-ringed object. Without any clear entrance or exit, and no other options visible, added with the tension of the enemies might catch up, Xenon made a quick decision. "You two! Get ready, we're bursting through!" he commanded, and with a unified effort, the three Ultras charged forward.Their forceful entry caused the space around them to warp, and suddenly, they were teleported into another dimension. The atmosphere shifted drastically; they were now surrounded by a bleak, metallic landscape. The ground beneath them felt cold and unwelcoming, a stark contrast to the chaos of the battle Mebius was facing above.All around them, the souls of countless kaiju floated in suspended animation, their ghostly forms barely discernible but still exuding a menacing presence. The Ultras were shocked to find that they had stumbled upon a subspace where the Monster Graveyard had somehow been trapped and contained.Max surveyed the area, his mind racing with confusion. "Why are the kaiju souls in this subspace? This shouldn't be possible. It's like someone deliberately placed them here."A while later, they found a some kind of a 'floating island' where they decided to land on. "It looked like one of those volcanoes on Earth," Max said as he observed his surroundings.Xenon, ever the strategist, quickly turned to Filis. "Filis, can you locate Hikari and the others?"Filis nodded, retrieving a small device from his side. "This should help. It's designed to detect Ultra energy signatures, even in distorted dimensions like this one. Give me a moment to configure it."As Filis worked on the device, Max ventured further ahead to explore the area. His eyes widened in horror as he stumbled upon a deep pit. "Xenon, over here," Max called out, his voice heavy with dread.Xenon quickly joined him, his face reflecting the same horror as he took in the scene. It turned out that they had found the lifeless bodies of the Ultra Soldiers who had accompanied Neos and Seven 21 on their mission to Arb lay scattered. The sight was grim, their forms twisted in unnatural positions, indicating that they had met a brutal end.But the pit was not the only chilling discovery they made. As they approached the edge of the pit, they saw two bronze statues standing eerily nearby. The statues, perfectly capturing the likenesses of Neos and Seven 21, stood frozen in place, their expressions calm yet unsettling."Neos, Chief Seven 21, too... What could have done this to them?" Xenon whispered, barely able to contain his shock.The two stood in silence, the weight of the situation bearing down on them. Suddenly, Xenon's sharp ears picked up a faint noise—a rustling sound that seemed to come from everywhere at once. His instincts kicked in. "Max, did you hear that?" he asked, his tone tense and alert.Before anyone could react, there was a grunt from Filis, and he vanished without a trace. "Filis!" Xenon shouted, but there was no response. The sound of movement grew louder, echoing all around them, but they couldn't see the source.Without warning, something struck Xenon and Max with blinding speed, sending them reeling. The assault was relentless, the attacker moving so fast it was almost invisible. The blows kept coming, knocking the Ultras to their knees, leaving them disoriented and vulnerable.Before they could recover, they suddenly found themselves trapped inside a familiar cylindrical capsule. The walls of the capsule were smooth and metallic, sealing them in with a tight hiss. As they struggled to make sense of what was happening, a thick, green liquid began to fill the chamber, swirling ominously around their bodies. The liquid exuded dark green fumes that clouded their vision and made the air thick and hard to breathe. As the liquid surrounded them, he saw several shadows approaching, their forms vague and indistinct.One shadow, however, stood out among the rest, its silhouette painfully familiar. Xenon's heart raced as recognition set in. "No... it can't be..." he muttered, his voice filled with disbelief. The shadow moved closer, and despite the fumes, Xenon could see it clearly now."An Ultra...?" he whispered, his voice trembling as he stared at the figure who bore an uncanny resemblance. But something was wrong—terribly wrong.Max, barely conscious, tried to speak, but the liquid stifled his voice. The shadows drew nearer, the green fumes swirling around them, as the darkness of the subspace closed in on the trapped Ultras. The realization that they were facing something far more sinister than they had anticipated weighed heavily on their minds, as they struggled to maintain hope in the face of overwhelming dread.While the chaos ongoing in the actual Monster Graveyard, Mebius was struggling to keep up with his enemies, as he crouched low behind a shattered piece of debris on the satellite object, his body tense as he kept a sharp eye on the relentless Inpelaizers. The mechanical beasts fired energy blasts in all directions, their aimless assault turning the battlefield into a chaotic storm of destruction. Mebius knew he couldn't keep dodging forever; he needed to think of a way to gain the upper hand.Luckily, he knew their attack pattern well—these machines were powerful but had a critical vulnerability. After spinning and firing their energy beams in random directions continuously for two minute, they required a brief moment to recover and recharge their power. A plan formed in his mind. Mebius knew he needed to exhaust their firepower and seize the brief window of vulnerability. He readied himself, channeling his energy into a high-speed maneuver that would push his limits.In a flash, Mebius darted out from cover, moving in a rapid circular pattern around the Inpelaizers. His speed was so intense that it created a series of afterimages, each one indistinguishable from the real Mebius. The Inpelaizers, confused by the sudden multiplication of targets, began firing wildly at the afterimages, their sensors struggling to keep up. Even their summoner, Grozam, couldn't keep up it with the speed.As the Inpelaizers spun and unleashed their energy blasts, Mebius continued his circular movement, drawing out their firepower and pushing them closer to their inevitable recovery phase. He knew he couldn't keep this up for long—his energy reserves were depleting rapidly—but he was determined to see the plan through.Finally, the Inpelaizers began to slow down, their energy reserves nearing depletion. Recognizing the moment he'd been waiting for, Mebius silently launched himself high into the air. With the Inpelaizers momentarily unable to retaliate, Mebius summoned his Mebium Blade, charging it with all the energy he had left.As the Inpelaizers struggled to recover, Mebius unleashed the Mebium Blade from above. The powerful energy wave descended with precision, slicing through the first Inpelaizer, causing it to explode in a shower of sparks and debris. As he landed, he noticed among the debris that the regenerative organ was located just behind the hand, indicated by the failed regeneration of its hand.The second Inpelaizer roared in rage and lunged at him. Mebius reacted quickly, firing a light ray from his Mebium Blade directly at the incoming threat. The ray sliced through the Inpelaizer's arm, severing it cleanly. But the machine wasn't done yet. As its hand began to regenerate, Mebius saw an opportunity.He sprinted toward the regenerating hand, his body a blur of motion. Just as the hand was about to fully form, Mebius grabbed it and swung it into the exposed regenerative organ . The Inpelaizer screeched in agony as its internal systems overloaded, and with one final, desperate thrash, it exploded into pieces.Mebius scanned the battlefield, his breaths coming in short, heavy gasps. Victory felt close, but something was wrong—Grozam, the ice-cold warrior, had vanished. Before he could react, a freezing mist enveloped him from behind. His body stiffened instantly, the biting cold freezing him in place."What's... happening...?" Mebius grunted through clenched teeth as his limbs refused to obey him.A low, mocking voice broke through the mist. "Did you really think it would be that easy, Mebius?" Grozam's cold laughter echoed as he materialized behind the immobilized Ultra. "This might be out of our plan... But unlike before, this is where you'll be frozen for good," he raised his Grozam Blade, aiming it directly at Mebius' exposed back.Mebius, immobilized by the freezing mist, could do nothing but watch as Grozam prepared to deliver the final blow with his freeze blade. Just as the weapon came down, a sharp whoosh split the air, and in an instant, the freeze blade was severed in two by a flying boomerang-like weapon."My blade! Who's there?!" Grozam snarled, stepping back in shock as his weapon clattered to the ground.As he looked up at the edge of the cliff, a masked figure emerged from the shadow. He was revealed to be the perpetrator when he caught the returning boomerang in one swift motion. At the same time, his eyes locked on Grozam with an unwavering intensity.Grozam sneered, glaring at the new arrival. "So, you think you can stop me? Let's see how long you last, fool!"Without waiting for a response, Grozam lunged forward, his hand cloaked in a layer of ice, aiming a powerful strike at the masked warrior. The warrior remained still, his expression hidden behind the mask. As Grozam's ice-covered fist flew toward him, the masked warrior sidestepped with precise, fluid movement, dodging the attack with ease.Infuriated, Grozam summoned his ice powers, creating a barrage of frozen shards and launching them at his opponent. The masked warrior, still silent, spun gracefully to avoid the deadly projectiles, his movements almost dance-like as he weaved through the icy barrage. He retaliated by throwing his boomerang once more, the weapon slicing through the air with deadly precision.Grozam barely managed to deflect it with his remaining ice gauntlet, but the force sent him stumbling backward. "You're fast... but let's see how you handle this... A present from Yapool," Grozam snarled, raising both hands toward the ground.A rumble echoed through the battlefield as the ground split open. From the depths of the earth, the monstrous form of U-Killersaurus 0 began to emerge. Grozam grinned viciously as the colossal Kaiju rose behind him, its growls shaking the ground.Mebius, his eyes wide with shock, stared at the massive creature before him. "U-Killersaurus...? But... this isn't right. It's different somehow..." His voice trembled slightly, remembering the countless stories he'd heard from the Ultra Brothers about this very kaiju, as well as his past battle against a different kind.The U-Killersaurus 0 towered before them, its presence radiating menace. It had taken the combined strength of the Ultra Brothers to defeat this creature in the past, and now it stood before Mebius once more."I can't wait to see both of your corpses here!" Grozam taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "Squish them alive, U-Killersaurus 0!"The masked warrior remained silent, his eyes narrowing at the sight of the towering creature. He didn't flinch, his grip on his boomerang tightening as he prepared to face the new threat. At the same time, Grozam took the opportunity to retreat, his icy laughter echoing in the distance as he flew toward the Monster Graveyard.Mebius, now free from the freezing mist after the effects wore off, slowly regained his mobility. He watched as Grozam disappeared into the sky and turned to the masked warrior, who stood facing the massive kaiju."Let's take this thing down together!" Mebius said, determination in his voice as he readied his own weapon. However, the masked warrior instead prevented Mebius from advancing, raising a hand to signal caution, knowing that he's not fully capable of defeating the Kaiju due to his obvious weakening body. The warrior then raised his boomerang-like weapon before charging towards the massive U-Killersaurus 0, leaving Mebius behind to watch in awe as the warrior fought with skill and precision."Awesome... I wish I could fight like that," Mebius muttered to himself, feeling a mix of admiration and frustration at his own limitations.Despite the warrior's impressive display, Mebius knew he had to find a way to contribute to the battle in his own way. Coincidentally, several of the Choju's clawed tentacles unknowingly had crept up behind the warrior, threatening to strike. Despite his own wounds, Mebius quickly sprang into action when he flew towards the warrior and used his body as a shield for him, deflecting the tentacles' painful attacks. Surprisingly to the warrior, Mebius managed to withstand the constant tentacle's blows and protect him."Go... I'll provide you cover!" Mebius yelled, determination shining in his eyes as he continued to shield the warrior from harm. The warrior nodded gratefully before proceeding to take advantage of the distraction and launch a powerful counterattack against the Choju by cutting off all of the poisonous tentacles and detonating all of the spiked missiles on its back.With the Choju being vulnerable, Mebius decided to finish things off by combining his Mebium Shoot with the warrior's finisher to deliver a final blow. Their combined power proved to be overwhelming, and the U-Killersaurus Zero finally fell.Panting heavily, Mebius turned to the masked warrior, who was now catching his breath. "Thank you for your help. I couldn't have been killed if you hadn't come. But, may I ask... who are you?"The masked warrior, still silent, handed over his boomerang-like weapon with a nod. Mebius took it, surprised. "Wait, hold on! I don't deserve this!"The masked warrior didn't respond. With a final nod, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving Mebius holding the mysterious weapon, full of unanswered questions. After the hard-fought victory, the young Ultra would proceed to the Monster Graveyard.Mebius soared through the dark, distorted skies of the Monster Graveyard, his body battered but his spirit unbroken. He'd followed the same path as the others, yet something about the landscape felt even more oppressive as he approached the floating continent below. Upon landing, a strange stillness settled over the area. The ground beneath his feet was a desolate wasteland, filled with ruins and remnants of past battles. His senses were on high alert, yet there was no immediate sign of life.Determined to find the others, Mebius ventured forward, his eyes scanning for any trace of his comrades. The terrain was bleak and unforgiving, but it wasn't long before something in the distance caught his eye—figures standing motionless on a raised platform.As he moved closer, hope flickered inside him. But when he reached the plateau, his heart dropped. Four figures stood frozen in place—Max, Xenon, Neos, and Seven 21—all trapped in bronze, like eternal statues. Mebius stopped dead in his tracks, his breath catching in his throat."No... Max-niisan, Xenon-niisan, Neos-niisan, Chief Seven 21...too," He stepped forward, reaching out as if touching them would break the illusion. "This can't be real..."His voice trembled with disbelief and sorrow. These were warriors—his friends—now reduced to cold, lifeless monuments. His chest tightened as anger started to boil inside him."This is wrong... Who would do this to you?!"A chilling laugh echoed around him, shattering the silence. "You're so late, Mebius... But, to be fair, I thought you and that guy were dead back then. Where is he?"Mebius spun around to see Grozam, the cold-hearted warrior, leaning against a crumbling pillar, a smirk playing across his face. The air around him crackled with icy energy."Grozam!" Mebius snarled, fury rising in him. "You're behind this, aren't you? How dare you do this to them?"Grozam waved his hand dismissively. "Me? What a joke. If it was me... the scene would be far more horrible than this. Try asking them,""Them? Who are they?" Mebius demanded, his voice laced with anger."It's been a long time, Mebius-kun," a voice called out from the shadows. Mebius turned to see a group of figures emerging, cloaked in darkness. "You remember us, don't you, Hibino Mirai-kun?""Mefilas, Deathrem... Hipporit and Temperor, too!" Mebius exclaimed, recognizing his old enemies. "How come... All of you should have been defeated and gone by now!"Mefilas sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. "Defeated, yes, but not gone. We've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to return—and your arrival here is just perfect timing.""Perfect timing for what?!" Mebius asked, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination."We want you to find something for us," Hipporit said with a sinister grin. "Be a good boy and do what we say, okay?" Temperor added, his eyes gleaming with malice.Mebius' fists clenched, his entire body shaking with rage. "Like hell, I'll help you with anything!" he declared, his voice filled with defiance. He put out his Mebium Blade, ready to strike, but all of a sudden, a different voice was heard."Resist all you want, Mebius. But deep inside, you knew, your choices are... limited." Mebius turned to see a familiar figure standing behind him."Hikari?" Mebius whispered, eyes wide with disbelief, while Hikari's Knight Beam Blade was leveled at Mebius' face, daring him to make a move. The sight of his friend—his mentor—standing before him was too much to bear. "No... this can't be..." His voice cracked. "Not you too...""Join us willingly or face the consequences. The choice is yours." Hikari continued slowly walking towards him."What happened to you, Hikari? What is that form?!" Mebius cried out in confusion, unable to comprehend the transformation his friend had undergone.As Mebius stared down at Hikari, trying to make sense of the betrayal before him, a slow, mocking clap echoed from above."Well, well, well, look who's finally arrived to the party," a voice drawled from the shadows. Mebius looked up sharply, and there, standing atop a crumbling ledge, was Filis, arms crossed, his smirk dripping with malice. "I was starting to wonder if you'd even make it this far.""Filis!" Mebius shouted, his voice laced with anger. "So you're the one behind all of this?!"Filis chuckled, stepping forward with deliberate slowness, as if savoring every moment of Mebius' confusion. "Oh, Mebius, you always were the slow one, weren't you? But yes, it was me all along. And now that you're here, I will finally be able to complete this little masterpiece."Mebius' fists clenched at his sides. "What are you after?! What could you possibly want from me?"Filis raised an eyebrow, his expression twisting into something darker. "Let me show you," Filis said, before firing a blast of energy towards the ground, revealing a river of magma flowing just beneath the surface. "You see, beneath this floating rock is a little place called the Valley of Fire. A lovely little hellscape full of power... if you can survive it." He gestured toward the jagged cliffs beneath them, where waves of molten fire licked at the rocks below."The Valley of Fire? I thought it was just a legend." Mebius echoed in shock, stepping back slightly as the realization hit him.Filis' smirk grew wider. "A legend? Perhaps. But one with very real consequences for you. I need something from the heart of that inferno, and only certain beings can withstand the heat long enough to retrieve it. And one of them is you...""And, if you refuse to do what I say, this will happen." Deathrem said before he raised his hands, summoning an onslaught of fireballs from the skies. They slammed into the ground around them, destroying everything in their path. The inferno danced dangerously close to the statues of Mebius' frozen comrades.Mebius' breath caught in his throat as he watched the barrage rain down. The statues shook from the impacts, the edges of their bases starting to crack. His entire body trembled with rage and helplessness. Gritting his teeth, he spoke through clenched jaws. "Fine. I'll do it. But I swear, Filis—this isn't over."Filis' smile returned, as cold and malicious as ever. "Fine by me, boy."Without another word, Mebius slowly walked away from them, transformed into his Burning Brave form, the flames enveloping his body as he prepared to descend into the Valley of Fire. His heart weighed heavy, knowing he had no choice but to comply."I swear... I'll come back, niisan-tachi," he whispered to himself, the determination in his voice cutting through the crackling flames. With one final glance back at Filis and the crumbling base, Mebius took a deep breath and stepped forward into the fiery abyss.As Mebius soared down into the Valley of Fire, the oppressive heat washed over him like a wave, each breath he took feeling as though it scorched his lungs. His Burning Brave form, the only thing protecting him from being consumed by the inferno, flickered faintly as the overwhelming intensity of the flames pressed against him. The ground beneath him was a sea of molten rock, with jagged cliffs lining the horizon, casting long, dark shadows over the fiery landscape.He landed with a heavy thud, the molten ground hissing beneath his feet. Ahead, the pathway stretched out, a seemingly endless road of fire and heat. At the far end, beyond the swirling mists of lava and flames, loomed a massive, intimidating structure—the fabled 'Lava Gate,' a barrier that guarded whatever lay beyond.For a brief moment, Mebius stood still, taking in the horrifying beauty of the scene before him. His body ached from the overwhelming heat, and each step forward felt like walking on shards of burning glass. But he pressed on, knowing he had no other choice.Up above, on the floating continent, the villains watched Mebius' struggle with gleeful anticipation. Filis stood at the edge of a cliff, his arms crossed, eyes fixed on Mebius as the Ultra trudged through the fiery wasteland below."Look at him," Mefilas sneered, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Crawling through that pit of fire, just like we planned."Hipporit laughed maniacally, clapping his hands. "He's playing right into our hands. Once he retrieves the item, we would be unstopabble.""Such a shame," Temperor mused, a dark grin spreading across his face. "He's almost broken, yet he keeps fighting. How long do you think he'll last?"Filis smirked, his eyes cold and calculating. "Long enough. He knows what's at stake. I believe he'll bring us what we want. You guys should know what he's capable of."The group of villains erupted into cruel laughter, their victory seemingly inevitable, their anticipation growing with each passing second. They could almost feel it—the moment they would hold in their hands the very thing that would give them ultimate control over the universe.Back in the Valley of Fire, Mebius had reached the halfway point of the fiery path. His vision blurred as he approached the Lava Gate, the air thick with the scent of sulfur and ash.Suddenly, he stopped, noticing something was wrong. From the fiery depths of the lava, a massive form began to emerge. Mebius watched in shock as the ground trembled beneath his feet. Out of the molten sea rose a colossal creature, its body covered in jagged, obsidian scales that glowed red-hot from the heat of the valley. It was a kaiju named Beast of Rashuwa—a guardian of the Valley of Fire, its piercing yellow eyes locked onto Mebius with unwavering focus.The kaiju roared, its voice like thunder, shaking the very ground Mebius stood on. It towered over him, the heat from its body adding to the already unbearable temperature of the valley. It was clear that this beast was the final obstacle standing between Mebius and the item Filis had sent him to retrieve.Mebius gritted his teeth, summoning all his remaining strength. He raised his arms, ready to fight through the pain and exhaustion. He had no choice but to face this guardian head-on if he was to complete this impossible mission.With a defiant roar of his own, Mebius charged forward, his body battered but his spirit unbroken. The kaiju lunged toward him, its claws raised high, ready to strike. The battle for survival had begun, and Mebius knew he had to defeat this beast to prevent Filis' plan from succeeding.