26.) Strife Gathering, Part 3.

Universe 9 rumbled and tore at the scene as its existence became a battle to stay afloat. The combatants never slow down as their battle stretches beyond solar system 9. Diablos and others remain as Sonya and Joe give chase to Kaguro and Kimichi. Amiyama and her battalion had already broken off and were on their way to the center of the universe. While that all went down, an elite Gahwardian was in the middle of an important meeting with their rivals. The Embodiment clansmen. Their eldest Prince, Curti "The Woe" Embodiment, was discussing the moves of a certain few. Their strength worried him. 

Curti: "So… it would seem that the likes of Slith, "The Serpent Killer," have been wondering about near our jurisdiction of this quadrant. He was seen an abundance of times and has even entered our clan. The nerve of that snake!"

???: "Slith, you say? There's no way that bastard would dare move here without reason. He's insane… but cunning and more keen on his approach than anyone I've ever faced. Do you have any idea as to why he'd be here?"

Curti: "I have a few. It's said that Slith has a liking for manipulation and control. You could call him a puppet master with the way he does it. Known to have literally manipulated an entire kingdom into destroying itself and has done it several more times."

???: "You must be referring to the Universal Kingdom of Moitre. The place held as a holy figure within the Spiritual Utopia Clan."

Curti: "Yeah. In referencing all this… I've come to the conclusion that Slith may be here for the unique class manipulation study we have held away in a massive galaxy sized Temple."

???: "A unique manipulation study? Hmm… it'd be very troublesome for a guy like that to gain access to such a study."

Curti: "Indeed, but… he's not my true concern. It's the other one that was with him and the lead that guarded them. He's the worst."

???: "There's 2 more? And if they give you more concern than you obviously know who they are, right?"

Curti: "Yes, my mother spotted both when slith went off to spot the temple."

Hellen(Curti's mother): "Yes… they both gave me great concern and for very obvious reasons. The first and less worrisome individual was none other than Jabreeze Zeefist. The cousin of ZeeArc came up missing a while back."

???: …(That's insane!)

Hellen: "And the one that worries me most, the lead and their guardian as it seems. That person wiped out 4 of our elites with ease… all at once. Crazy enough. It's your cousin Jollister, the Substitute Death Reaper. He's far more powerful than before, and he's aligned with the likes of those that bathe in Malice. Any clue as to why, Hideaki?"

Hideaki: "No… this is a first for me. I don't think ANYONE out of Gahwardia or new Strife knows about this!"

Hellen: "Hmm, well, that's too bad. Either way… I don't like the idea of them being together. Not one bit. Usually, when things like this occur, they spell the early start to something greater and far more troublesome."

Curti: "Yeah. I don't like it either. Makes me think it might have connections to the odd movements of Miitto Mighty from the Might clan. As well as Togish Pera, a Fallen born high tier who's been seen with Miitto many times. Even worse…"

Hideaki: "Hmm?"

Hellen: "It would seem a person known as ZigXahm is doing the same as the other's we've mentioned. They've all been seen near clans trying to gain access to Temples that host unique-Legendary class studies. You know how powerful those are… "Unique studies only have 2-4 copies of themselves out there… legendary studies are blessed with singularity. You won't be finding a copy of it anywhere else."

Hideaki: "Hmm… that would make sense. Jollister has made his own study, just as Death II did. So I can see why he's only playing Guard right now. But those other guys are equal to or above what he can do, and he's a damn 40 on the scale currently."

Curti: "Exactly. He's lower than them yet can destroy small multiverses with ease. With them being greater and going out of their way for studies… I can deduce that we're about to be in for quite the battle."

Hellen: "Yes son… that seems to be the case."

Hideaki: "Yeah…(What the fuck!? Jollister's with those people? For what? It has to be a reason a Death God would choose to be more supportive of one side of the balance beam. Even more surprising that he went for the "Evil" side of things. I've gotta figure this out.)"

Curti: "Hideaki?"

Hideaki: (Maybe someone is controlling him, he's being held hostage and forced to work for them… SOMETHING!!)

Curti: "Hideaki!!"

Hideaki: "Huh!?"

Curti: "There we are… I was asking you a question."

Hideaki: "Ah, yes… what is it?"

Curti: "Well I was wondering… but with the events currently happening in the main dwelves of Colossaverse I's important regions. There is one event I'm very intrigued by. It seems your younger cousin is fighting Amiyama… do you think he could also be with them?"

Hideaki: "Ah, that… it's always been my understanding that Haydes hates being ruled by a fate made from someone else. So he wants to break the omniverse code to be forever free. I'm not against the idea that someone else would have the same goal. Haydes could very well be with them."

Curti: "That'd be very worrisome. I don't think even my father would want such a group to come together. He wouldn't be able to win. And I can guarantee there's many more insidious individuals helping this scheme."

Hellen: "I suspect that as well. For such a plan to ever be achieved you'd need a LOT of fighters and warriors by your side. So the possibility that there's a bunch of people in on this is very high. And that would spell trouble for this Colossaverse. If we were to let it get too far out of control then the others would be in danger as well."

Hideaki: "Just what could they be after that could possibly upset the balance that Life & Death I have set up. Just what could be that damn powerful."

Hellen: "I have a few ideas, but it'd be best if I kept them to myself for now."

Hideaki: "Hmm. Ok, I can accept that. But I must report the news on Jollister to my father and uncle. That's important after all." 

Curti: "Well reporting would have to wait."

Hideaki: "Why is that?" 

Hellen: "Hmm… yes, I agree. You're definitely going to have to wait."

Hideaki: "What are you guys talking about…. Hmm!? Isn't this?"

Curti: "We're being called it seems. Well this is exciting, my rival is about to return."

Hideaki: "Hehe. (You're finally coming back huh?)"

Curti: "Let's get a move on then?"

Hideaki: "Meeting adjourned?"

Hellen: "Yes. Go to where Death shall revive. I'll report the news to your father."

Hideaki: "Lets go."

Curti: "Right. I'll return soon enough mother. See you later."

Hideaki: "We'll take my tele-pad back. It's quicker than flying there in our clan forms."

Curti: "Alright, I'm cool with that. Set it down. I want to get there."

Hideaki: "Alright. It's marked for universe 5. So we'll have to dash the rest of the way."

Curti: "Coo. Let's transform now then. Hmmmm. I embody thy soul, thy Essence and Thy BODY. I am EMBODIMENT!" *FWOOSH*

Curti transformed into a being completely composed of their element. His element was blood and his appearance had changed to that of a knight clad in blood armor from head to toe. His helmet had three sets of horns on top of it and completely covered his face and head. Leaving only his eyes out. His chestplate had a black cape attached to it that was in ribbons. He had horns on his shoulders and his gauntlets and gleaves. 

Hideaki: "What a pretty, little armor set Curti. Hmph alrighty then, War be my creed and war be my strength. War is my pride, war is the true god. I am WAR!"

Hideaki became wrapped in a cloaks with a menacing medieval skull mask on his face. His arms and legs were clad in death armor. His neck was wrapped in fur while his torso had a general's bone chestplate on it. They were ready to go. 

Hideaki: "Tele-pad activate. *Fwimp* Let's go through." *STEP* *FFFWEEYHOO"

Curti: "Right." *STEP* *FFFWEEYHOO*

Hellen: "Hmph. Wish I could go witness that marvel as well, but… I've got a clan to protect." *FWIP* 

As they take off to meet the rest of Strife at the revival spot. We take a look at the progress of the fight between Tailee and Miamori. 

Miamori: "Hahahahaaa! This is… so EXHILARATING!"

Tailee: "I agree! This has been the most fun I've had in awhile! Almost as fun as fighting Angelos!"

Miamori: "Ha! I see now. I'll have to up the ante."

Tailee: "Bring it!!!" *SWOOSH*

Miamori dashes at Tailee in a burst of speed. She lands a heavy right kick to Tailee's head. Tailee stumbles back on the foothold they created. Miamori tries to follow up with a heavy punch barrage, but is interrupted by Tailee's foot being in her face. Surprised and distracted, she was hit by a full powered right hook from Tailee. Her vision blurred and she was kicked into a nearby star. 

Miamori: "Well damn!... She's so tough and skilled. Enough grit to take my blows and retaliate. N-ngh… GYA! *FFITSH* Hmmm." *GRASP*

Tailee: "Hmm?"

Miamori: "Catch." *SWOOSH*

Tailee: "Tch! *SWISH* *SWISH* *SWOOSH* HYAAAAA!" 

Tailee releases a mighty kick and destroys the star thrown at her. Through the debris came a mighty Phoenix, blazing in blood red flames. 

"Damn you, Miamori! Orb: Magnificent Siphon!"

Miamori: "HAAAAA!"

Tailee: "What!? *SMASH* Gah!"

Miamori lands a great flying punch on Tailee's face and sends her flying towards what used to be Vonra 9. 

Miamori: "I'd be one hell of a fool to let her get any breathing room." *PEW*

Miamori dashes in on Tailee to deliver another powerful blow before she can rebound.

Tailee: "Tch!"

Miamori: *PEW* "Hmph! *SWOO-* *PRCH* (Wha-!?)"

Tailee: "Gotcha!"

Tailee grabs Miamori by the neck with her left leg and brings her along for the ride. 

Miamori: "Damn!"

Tailee: *FWIP* "Now then. Let's see how you like being blown up!"

Miamori: "Tch! No… you… DON'T!!!" *PRCH*

Tailee: "Ngh!"

Miamori elbows Tailee, making her lose her grip. She then follows up with a quick right kick, sending Tailee flying back.

Tailee: "Well damn! *FWIP* Hmph! I say we release all the stops! I call upon war. I believe in love of battle and I blossom on the battlefield.  War is my bone, war is my grace! I Am WAR!!"

Miamori: "Heh. I'm game."

Tailee has three orbs around her with a Royal Maiden's battle uniform. Her eyes were glowing blue and her entire being was blazing high. Her Gahwardian insignia began to shine bright as she began to stand up and dance like flames. 

Miamori: "Alright then. My turn… *CLAP* I am the true heat of my flame. The burn, the singe and even the flow. I shape my brilliance into wings and sore as one who will always return from the ash. I Am The PHOENIX."

Miamori had a dress of flames engulf her body as her hair stood up and burst into blue flames. She had red gems spread across her chest and blue flaming wings. Her eyes were glowing red, a true Phoenix Empire transformation. 

Tailee: "Stunning. Shall we begin?"

Miamori: "I'm ready to go beautiful."

Tailee: "Hmph: "This is the last stand Mori. Don't disappoint baby girl." *Fwip*

Miamori: "Likewise Tailee! *Fwip*

Miamori and Tailee get into their preferred stances as the space around them begins to warp. The climax of their battle was about to begin. 

Joe: "Damn. *HUFF*… *HFF* They're fucking tough. I haven't gained any ground in the last 2,000 exchanges. Is he truly that much greater than I?!"

Kaguro: "It doesn't seem to be any commands against destroying you. Guess I'll end it here. You're weak."

Kimichi: "Hmph! Seems I feel the same brother. They're no good!" *STEP* *SMOOSH*

Sonya: "N-ngh! D-daaaaamn! (My energy… is too low. I can't even get her damn foot off my head. Dammit!)"

Joe: "It's not my day to die Kaguro. I'll… no, WE'LL show you the might of our dual wield construction."

Kaguro: "Oh? *SMASH* Shut your ass up filth! You're nothing but hot ai-."

Kimichi: "Hmm? (Brother's energy just dropped a bit. And the whelp's grew a tad bit. Just a bit more than what Kaguro lost.)"

Kaguro: "He… just siphoned my damn energy."

Sonya: (Finally!) "Haaa! Cha!"

Kimichi: "Hmph! (She escaped and her energy just jumped a bit. What's… going on here?)"

Joe: "It's easy. Honestly it is."

Sonya: "Indeed."

Joe: "I've finally designed a gun that can siphon essence from others."

Sonya: "And I've created a sword that allows me to borrow from family."

Kaguro: "What cheap bullshit for so called Gods. Bitches."

Kimichi: "Heheha! You're indeed funny brother Kaguro dear. Let's… see what's what with these two. I want to see the extent of my prey."

Kaguro: *Lick* "What a marvelous idea big sis. Lets see what the little bitches can do."

Joe: "Hmph! Let's go Sonya!" *Grin*

Sonya: "Right!"

A counterattack began to go underway as Joe and Sonya find their way to rising back up. The waves of Death erupt as his revival approaches. Strife gathers and the universe is ripping… as the war continues!!!

Next Chapter: Dual Siblings Rise!!!