The Horrorverse, Part 9: The Ultimate Life Form

RIDDLE HUNT, Part 2

Port Rivera

Nolan met up with Nagisa and began the Boogey Fleet Riddle Hunt. They found a strange floating treble clef on one of the ships, and touching it made a trail of rainbow notes go up the mast and along the top of the sail. Nolan quickly collected the notes and triggered the trophy cage to open.

They found a Riddle Cube and were whisked into a room with an electric barrier. Nagisa simply had to Shave through the barrier to grab the trophy. The next room began with a spiked ceiling panel trying to crush them, the two quickly dodging forward, and they evaded more spikes coming from the ceiling and walls. They grabbed the trophy just before they were hit by spikes from ahead. The third room had five "?" switches on the wall, and four Crystal Switches in the corners. Nolan quickly threw a Quintuple Boomerang at the wall ones while Nagisa used Tempest Kick to strike the corner ones, earning them the trophy.

? This Pirate Queen would sure be mean, if she didn't celebrate Halloween! ?

Nolan remembered this clue appearing on Mandy's flagship. They entered the captain's cabin and discovered the headless Jack O'Lantern mounted on the wall. This was an easy solution to the Riddle.

The 15 destructible objects hidden around the fleet were Billy Bobble Heads, which represented Mandy's husband and laughed like, "Hehehehehehehe! Hehehehehehehe!" Locating and destroying all the bobble heads counted as three trophies.

The map indicated a "?" traveling through the water, and they realized it was marking a small Flying Fish. The winged fish would pop out of the water every few seconds, so Nagisa would follow it via Moon Walk, then snatch the fish when he was close enough. The trophy was in the fish's mouth.

It was another long hour of solving Riddles, but when it was finally over, a new location was marked on the map. A new ship had appeared in the fleet, dark-green and decorated with "?". Nolan and Nagisa entered and followed stairs down to the ship's hold. They were greeted with the unusual sight of a Riddler hologram lifting a dumbbell (but it was actually being lifted by a machine). They were overlooking a gaping hole in the ship that was letting in seawater, and they could see Angelie McKenzie trapped in a glass cage hanging over the sea.

"Welcome to your second test, Sandman! I call this one 'Heads Up.' You know, I find that consistent exercise helps keep the brain sharp and attentive. And nothing whips your brain into shape than constantly bonking it against a block. So, today's challenge will be a simple quiz game. Simply toss your boomerangs at the switch next to what you believe is the correct answer. You will answer these questions while jumping and bonking your heads against these floating blocks. You'll notice that these blocks are attached to wires connected to Angie's cage. These blocks will prevent the poor woman from submerging into the depths. However, the only way to rise her to safety will be to correctly answer my questions. Any wrong answers will cause her to sink. The test starts now!" (Play "Swanky's Swing" from Donkey Kong Country 2!)

Angie's cage dropped, so Nolan and Nagisa quickly ran under the blocks and started bumping them repeatedly. Angie's cage remained suspended a few feet over the water. "Riddle me this: What person grows warmer when the weather turns colder?" The choices were Chris Uno, Suki Crystal, Miyuki Crystal, and Crystal Wickens. Sandman's name was also flashing above the screen, implying only he could answer. Nolan tossed his boomerang at the switch beside Suki's name. Angie's cage rose slightly.

"Next riddle: On which adventure did an Uno star?" The choices were Operation: GALACSIA, Operation: GALASCIA, Operation: GALASCIE, and Operation: GALASSIE. Nagisa was assigned to the question, and he tossed a boomerang at the GALASCIA choice. "Sorry, Nagisa, you'll have to check your spelling!" Angie's cage sunk.

"With which element can one mold wills?" The choices were Waterbending, Musicbending, Psychicbending, and Darknessbending.

"I don't understand!" Nagisa said, still bumping his block. "If the question refers to elements that can control people, all these elements can do that!"

"Wait! He doesn't mean to control peoples' wills. He's talking about creating new wills! And psychicbending can make Imaginary Friends!" Nolan tossed his boomerang at that answer.

"Very clever, Sandman! But from here on, you're not allowed to help with each other's questions. Next question: blue = fin, white = wing, and green = ?" The choices were Tiny, Viridi, Flora, and Celebi. Nagisa observed the riddle as opposed to the choices, yet he couldn't make the connection, and it didn't help to still be bumping his head on the block.

He's talking about the races. Nolan thought to himself. The "fin" means merpeople, "wing" means Nimbi, so the answer is "Tiny" because it refers to the Minish, and the colors reference their elemental realms. Come on, Nagisa, figure it out!

"Uhhh… errrr…" Nagisa tossed a boomerang at "Celebi." The wrong answer caused Angie's cage to lower again. "Darn it! I thought it was talking about the gods."

"If that were true, then Viridi could've been an answer!" Nolan stated.

"Oh… yeah…"

"Now, which of these characters possess 'chi'?" The choices were Kirie, Sally, Chimney, and Jinta. Nagisa was required to answer again.

Wait a minute, none of those people are benders. Nagisa thought. And it doesn't make sense because all people have chi, anyway. …Hold on, why is "chi" in quotations? …OF COURSE! Nagisa tossed a boomerang at Chimney.

"Correct, Nagisa! It took a while, but we got your brain into shape. This next riddle has multiple answers: What Numbuhs create 25 and 2x5?" The choices were 5, 2, 5, and 2. This question would confuse some people because 5x5 make 25, and 5+5 make 10, which is what 2x5 equals, so people would assume the answers are 5 and 5. But Nolan knew the answers were 2 and 5, because Numbuh 2 and Numbuh 5 gave birth to Numbuh 25 and Numbuh 2x5. "Sandman has been doing his homework, it seems. Correct!"

They had to get two more right answers before Angie's cage could touch the "Goal." "From here on, this quiz is anyone's game! Fire, Light, Shadow, and Poison have which letter in common?" The choices were "I", "O", "S", and "V", with Nagisa's name listed at the top. Nagisa studied them for a moment, but then realized they were referencing Sector V, which had those types of benders. He tossed a boomerang, but his name suddenly changed to Sandman's at the top, causing Angie's cage to sink. "You are correct, Nagisa! But I wasn't asking you, was I?"

"BULLSHIT! You switched the names on purpose!"

"It's programmed to switch every five seconds. Pay more careful attention next time! These two Yonko represent 'Smell No Evil.'" The choices were Mandy, K. Rool, Davy Jones, and Big Mom. Sandman was the designated contestant, but his name soon changed to Nagisa. Nagisa hit Mandy as one of the answers. When Sandman's name came up again, he hit Davy Jones. Angie's cage rose back up.

"If vehicles could bend, which elements would fire trucks possess?" The choices were Fire, Water, Light, and Poison. Nagisa waited for his name to change to Sandman, and the latter hit Water as the first choice. When it went back to Nagisa, he chose Poison as the second answer, because fire trucks need gas to move. Angie's cage rose, and they only needed one more right answer.

"If you answer this question correctly, how many more questions will you be asked?" The choices were 0, 5, 300, and Infinity. True, there were 300 Riddles left to solve, but Nolan knew to choose Infinity as the answer. "Correct, Sandman. As long as you live, you will always keep receiving questions. You are free to go, Mrs. McKenzie! Watch your step on the way out." Angie's cage opened and her wrist straps were unlocked. Angie stood as she undid her gags, but when the woman slipped, Nagisa flew over with Moon Walk and grabbed her before she could fall into the water. (End song.)

Nagisa brought her back to safety as Nolan asked, "Are you okay, Angie?"

"For the most part. Nolan, what's been going on outside?"

"Affright has poisoned the Kids Next Door, including Sector W. We'll take you to see them at GUN H.Q.."

"Sigh, of all the things that could've happened on Halloween…"

"Angie, when you were captured by Riddler, did you see if anyone else was working with him?"

"No, I was already blindfolded by the time I came to. …But I think I did hear him talking to someone. He said something like, 'No, the Riddle Cube needs to go in THIS cabin! Honestly, can't you fairies follow simple instructions?'"

"Are you saying the Riddler has fairies working for him?" Nagisa questioned.

"It sounds pretty farfetched." Nolan agreed. "But at the same time, I can't think of how else Riddler was able to design some of these puzzles. Either way, we have other matters to take care of first. We'll call GUN to take you to base, Angie."

Once that matter was dealt with, Nolan and Nagisa returned to three particular Boogey ships they had marked on the map. During the Riddle Hunt, they found three ships with demon blood spilled around the deck, but not much evidence as to what happened remained. Nolan called Mandy and said, "Mandy, all the pirates on the Boogey Swine, Boogey Beak, and Boogey Tongue have been massacred."

"What?! …Oh, right, them. Those three were actually planned to be killed as part of a test."

"What kind of test?"

"This brat paid me three million bucks to have my crew guard these three clone girls. He said that an assassin was coming to kill them and wanted my crew to put up as big of a fight as possible to protect them. Obviously, he wanted them to fail. Not that it matters because demons can come back to life, anyway. In case you're interested, those three ships were guarded by Fatblin, Wizzrobes, and Lizalfos respectively. They have different fighting styles."

"Those clone girls were Misaka Clones. Tell me, who was the one that paid you? What did the assassin look like?"

"I asked other crewmen if they saw the assassin, but they all reported him as being too fast for the naked eye. The person who paid me was a boy wearing a brown coat. He had blonde hair and red slanted glasses, and he had an Italian accent."

"That…That sounds a lot like Doflamingo, Jr.."

"Look, what does this have to do with uncovering the traitors in my crew?"

"This is more important. Peoples' lives are on the line."

"Fine, Mr. Hero. Then I get to keep your boy a little longer."

"Not a problem. He can survive."

"Uh, beg to differ!" Nagisa panicked.

"See you later, Nagisa. I'll be back later."

"DO-O-ON'T LEAVE ME, SENPA-A-A-I-I!"

Quahog, Rhode Island

Sandman returned to Quahog in time for another promo from Affright. "Verse Number 40: The Spook in my Caboose. Oh, this one's a comedy! I awoke with a startling choke, When a most troubling sound shook me. I looked out my-" Nolan saw Caesar Clown walk in from behind Affright, put some stuff in a blender, and turn it on. The sound was so loud, Affright decided to be quiet and let him finish. Caesar stopped. "I looked out my window-" Caesar started it again. Affright was growing impatient. WHIR! WHIR! WHIR! WHIR! WHIR! Finally, Caesar unhooked the jug and drank it.

"Plech! Darn it, I used the wrong ingredients!"

"Ugh… Never mind…" Affright stopped recording.

"So, another Misaka is set to be killed here in 10 minutes." Nolan read. "I hope I can find her in t-" A bullet whizzed past his face, causing him to drop. "Where'd that come from?!" He looked toward the left, but his Detective Vision didn't pick up any snipers close by. He decided to glide in that direction, and the second he heard a gunshot, he dodged to the left. Nolan grappled to the roof of a building, and he could vaguely see the sniper on a distant, taller building.

The sniper shot again and struck Nolan's shoulder, so he decided to jump off the building. He landed on the street, intending to sneak up on the sniper from ground level, but they simply fired bullets that ricocheted off the buildings and struck him with deadly accuracy. "You know what, why don't I just do this?!" Sandman summoned the Sandmobile, where he would be safe from the sniper. He changed it to the Sandwing and flew to the top of that building, discovering that his attacker was a Misaka Clone. "Stop attacking me! I'm here to help you!"

Misaka lowered her gun. "'You are not the Level 6 subject,' asks Misaka, surprised by this unexpected anomaly."

Nolan climbed out of the Sandwing and approached her. "My name is Sandman, and your sister sent me to save you. Tell me, do you know the name of the person who put you up to this?"

"'He addressed himself as 'Shut Up, Bitch,'' responds Misaka, who now understands this was not an appropriate response. Perhaps it will help to inform you he had blonde hair and slanted red glasses."

"And you have no idea what the Level 6 looks like, do you?"

"'No. I was required to use my keen Observation Haki to predict his movements and snipe him,' answers Misaka. She regrets to inform you that she used the same tactics on you."

"Don't feel bad. You'll be kept safe at GUN H.Q.."

After GUN had her taken away, Nolan began searching for the next Misaka in Quahog. "According to GUN's file on Doflamingo, after his father died, he inherited 340 billion dollars worth of fortune." Carol explained. "Most of this wealth comes from the fact his grandfather was a World Leader."

"Then it would make sense for him to be ordering a member of CP10. Assuming the wound on the first Misaka really was from a Finger Pistol."

"Nolan, it's Crystal. I found something strange. Come to my spot on the map."

Nolan met with Crystal in a warehouse area. She was standing by a garage door with a sign that said, Test Starts Here. "Nice find, Wiccan. Hopefully, the Misaka is in here." Nolan had to hack a code terminal, decrypting the word 'Ultimate' to open the garage. There was a car-size elevator inside, so they stayed inside the Sandmobile as they rode down.

The elevator brought them to an underground racetrack. The minute they drove onto the track, laser turrets popped out ahead and blasted them. "Definitely not a tourist trap!" Nolan shouted, quickly blasting the turrets. Nolan sped up the track as it made a wide curve left, stomping the boost as flames erupted from the barred track. Nolan got past the flames and had to shoot down turrets on the ceiling and walls. There were yellow lines on the road, and when Nolan drove past them, spears would stick out from either side, their length equal to that of the lines. Nolan had to stay between the lines, which involved making his car side-thrust.

The road turned very steep and steadily grew narrow, forcing Nolan to list to the right with great speed. It became flat and wide again, but Nolan had to pick up more speed to drive up a straight, vertical wall. A spike wall was closing in on them, but the heroes reached the top just in time. The Sandmobile came to a halt at the end of the track, where the Misaka Clone waited.

"'I am confused. I did not know the Level 6 subject was going to use a vehicle,' Misaka says, obviously baffled."

"Get with the program, we aren't the Level 6!" Crystal stated.

"We're getting you out of here." Nolan assured. "You won't be sacrificed tonight."

"Misaka heaves a sigh of relief."

They made their way out of the race course and called GUN to take the clone away. Almost coincidentally, Nolan received a call from Misaka. "Mr. Sandman, something just happened over here in Academy City! There was commotion in District 7, but by the time I got there, one of the buildings just… sunk into a giant puddle of goop!"

"I'll be there as soon as possible."

Academy City

Nolan made it to Misaka's location and found another pool of goop. This goop was light-blue and yellow and emitted electric sparks. "It's the Mustache Girl again." Nolan knew. There was a fountain nearby, so he could absorb a Water Spirit from it. The same with all the others, Nolan sprayed water around and cleaned the goop. An apartment complex rose out of the ground, and Mustache Girl burst out of one of the dorms.

"You just-a don't give up, do you?" She hopped on a motorcycle and sped up the street, leaving a trail of electric goop. This motorcycle was twice as fast as the other one, so the Sandmobile was unable to keep up. They had to keep Mustache Girl within range so Misaka could charge her Railgun. She missed the first two times, but once it made impact the third time, Mustache Girl went flying before crashing in a mobile garbage can.

"Ohhhh…" The girl groggily climbed out. "WAH!" She was immediately grabbed by Sandman.

"Don't make me spank you!"

"You… wouldn't… dare!"

"TRY ME!" Nolan raised his hand.

"HEEEELP! A STRANGER IS VIOLATING ME!" Mustache jabbed Nolan with her electrified paintbrush, drew up a portal, and vanished.

"Just out of curiosity, have you ever spanked anyone?" Misaka asked with a smirk.

"Tonight might be when I start. Let's go see what she was trying to hide." They relocated the apartment complex and searched each of the floors. All the dorms were perfectly aligned, nothing out of the ordinary, until a ruined door and window caught their attention. Nolan flicked on a light switch to highlight the ransacked apartment. "Whoa…"

There was a white-haired boy in blue jeans and a black shirt with white stripes unconscious in the apartment. "Sandman… it's Accelerator."

"Accelerator? He was the original Level 6 candidate, right?"

"Yeah. He was crippled after the Caped Baldy attacked him."

"Ehhhh… who you callin' bald?…" Accelerator achingly pushed himself up, looking up at the two. "Oh, it's you again…" he said to Misaka.

"Did somebody attack you?" Nolan asked, picking the boy up and setting him on his feet. Accelerator leaned against the wall while Nolan picked up his crutches.

"Yes. It was some kid that looked like a flamingo. He attacked me with strings, but before I knew it, I was…!" Accelerator panicked. "Wait! Where's the kid?!"

"What kid?"

"The kid… The little Misaka clone. Dammit, my phone is missing!"

"They must've taken her to be part of the test!" Misaka deduced.

"You mean the Level 6 test? She told me it was started up again, but I didn't think she would be involved. She's still too young!"

"Too young?"

"Yeah, haven't you heard? She's called Last Order, and she's a freaking brat."

Misaka grabbed her cellphone and dialed a number. "Hello? Imouto?"

"'Hello, Big Sister. Do you need something,' asks Misaka 10032, curiously."

"Imouto, we're trying to locate a Sister called 'Last Order.' Does that sound familiar to you?"

"'Last Order was developed as the final test in the Level 6 Shift, but due to the shutdown of the project, she was released prematurely,' Misaka explains, hoping her exposition contributes to the plot. To further contribute, she is now determining Last Order's location using a telepathic connection. Last Order is located in a building in District 2. The coordinates are as follows."

"Got it." Nolan nodded. "Let's go, Misaka."

"Where do you think you're going?" Accelerator stated. "The kid's my responsibility. And I have to pay back whoever's behind this."

"Why are you so concerned about one of my Sisters?" Misaka asked. "Last time we met, you were trying to murder them all."

"Oh, are you still hung up about that? Look, that's all in the past. I was just trying to go back to my normal life when suddenly that kid shows up and starts bugging me." Accelerator looked away and blushed. "I know it sounds cheesy, but being around her that long, it made me think those 'sisters' of yours actually had feelings."

"If you want to come, use this." Nolan injected him with some Formula Q. "This will temporarily restore mobility in your bones. What's your power, anyway?"

"I can manipulate vectors, and that sorta makes me a multi-bender metahuman." Accelerator released the crutches and stretched his arms and legs. "Wow, those are nice drugs, old man."

"Sigh, you trust people a little too easily." Misaka said to Nolan.

All three of them got in the Sandmobile, with Accelerator in the back beside Revan. "Ooo, I can sense darkness within this one." Revan commented. "Hey, how would you like to be my apprentice when I take over?"

They drove to District 2 and located the designated building. Nolan had to input the code 'Judgment' to get in, and it seemed to be a police training hall. It was dark, empty, and eerily quiet. Sandman used Detective Vision and saw two child-size figures underneath. "They're downstairs."

They found a way into the basement, Misaka lighting a spark on her fingertip to provide light. The basement was nearly pitch-black, so Misaka made the spark brighter. Immediately, they saw a 10-year-old girl with a blue dress in white spots and light-brown hair hanging from the ceiling on strings. "There she is! Last Order!" Accelerator shouted.

"And she's not alone, punk!" A blonde boy in a pink feathered coat descended from the darkness like a spider.

"Doflamingo!" exclaimed Sandman. "It really was you… You were behind the Level 6 Project."

"You are correct, Sandman." Doffy said with a shiny grin. "Dr. Clown told me about the project last year. Apparently, he had some friends that were in on it. I expected someone to get in my way… and of course, it had to be you." He grit his teeth as temples formed on his scowl. "That's why I had to lure you here… the man who murdered my father…"

Revan gasped loudly. "NOLAN! I knew you were a fan of bastards, but I didn't think you would go THAT far! You are just BRIMMING with evil! And IIIII love it."

"Doflamingo, your father's death was an accident! I tried to save him, and I would have… but the fact remains that his own actions led to his demise."

"Ohhhhh, so Cheren killed him." Revan analyzed. "Damn, that's gonna be really awkward."

"It's too late for your apology, Sandman! Still, my revenge is merely a small side quest in my master plan."

Nolan launched the grappling hook at him, but the rope was sliced by another force. A child-size being in a white coat and gloves walked out. "So, that's the original Misaka. I really don't feel much power radiating from her." The being said in a somber voice.

"It's… the Level 6…" Misaka spoke fearfully.

"Heh… Level 6… Level 5… such small, inconsequential numbers. I admit, there are some impressive benders in this city, but far from understanding what true power is. You know just what I'm talking about, don't you… Nolan York." The person took off his coat and dropped it.

Nolan tore off his mask, believing his eyes were fooling him for a second. But he couldn't deny… he's seen this man before… "I can't believe it… You're the Level 6 subject… the Ultimate Life Form… Shadow the Hedgehog!"

Agent of CP0

SHADOW THE HEDGEHOG

He was a black Mobian hedgehog with spiked hair that was partly red, red eyes, wore white gloves with gold wrist rings, and white and red rocket shoes. "We haven't seen you since the Firstborn Quest. Why are you murdering Misaka's sisters?"

"Because I ordered him to." Doflamingo said. "It was the test that would officially initiate him as a member of CP0."

"CP0? So, the World Government had another league of assassins after CP10?"

"No. CP0 was formed by Rob Lucci." Shadow said. "Since your World Government is now nonexistent, we're an independent force. We have no masters and live under no law. We're invisible. Zero. Of course, even we need benefactors. That's why Lucci directed me to Doflamingo."

"But why? What's your goal? To destroy the Kids Next Door?"

"If that were it, we would have done so by now, given the current situation." Doffy replied. "Their aim is actually much, much higher. Right, Shadow?"

"You know the problem yourself, Nolan." Shadow began. "The chaos that plagues this universe. It started 23 years ago, and it happened again three years ago. The universe fell to shambles, all because of the gods that command it. They give bending to mortals, and those mortals continue to rise to the level of gods to the point their power commands them. The KND may pose as heroes for saving the universe, but the same chaos will continue to happen. That is why, the goal of CP0 is to assassinate the gods!"

"That's impossible, even for you. A god can only die if they have children, and in the event those children die, the god will be reincarnated."

"You're wrong, Nolan. There is a way to destroy the gods. A way that can only be achieved by those with incredible strength. That's why we at CP0 are conducting assassinations of the highest tier."

"So, that's why I heard Lucci was fighting in Heaven's Arena."

"Indeed. Unfortunately, I've been ordered to assassinate you for getting in my way. After all, we can't have word of CP0 getting out just yet."

"Shadow, we were allies back then! Team Sonic and the Kids Next Door, we saved the universe together! What would Sonic say now if he saw you like this?!"

"We'll never know, will we? Sonic is dead."

"He… What?"

"Perhaps you can ask him when you get to the afterlife. Tempest KICK!" (Play "All Hail Shadow" by Crush 40!)

Boss fight: Shadow the Hedgehog

Shadow swung an air-splitting kick that Accelerator discharged with his powers. Misaka blasted lightning at the hedgehog, but Shadow dodged with the blink of an eye and appeared at their side. Shadow jabbed a Finger Pistol at Accelerator, but he formed a shield around himself, then Misaka shot lightning at the hedgehog. Accelerator zoomed away, then zipped behind Shadow in attempt to reverse his blood flow, but Shadow sensed the attack and dodged, firing a barrage of aerial Finger Pistols at Accel. The boy endured the barrage, but Shadow zipped behind him and sliced his back, leaving a gash.

Shadow dodged when Misaka shot lightning, going above her and swinging a kick down, but Misaka leapt back and ran, keeping her body electrified. Shadow used repeated Shaves to speed around Misaka from many directions, going faster and faster before dealing a Finger Pistol to her back, using Armament Haki to get through the electricity. Misaka quickly reached back and grabbed Shadow's head, inducing him with lightning. Misaka zapped lightning at Shadow's shoes and magnetically glued him to the floor, running far and charging her Railgun.

Shadow was able to get free, zipping to Misaka's side for a Tempest Kick, but Accelerator quickly reversed the attack against him. The former Level 6 had used his power to reverse the blood back into his wound. Shadow charged his Spin Dash and shot at them like a cannon-pinball, Accel pouring every ounce of strength to push him back, all the while Misaka charged a Railgun. Shadow quickly uncurled and Shaved behind them, and Misaka immediately about-faced and fired the coin.

Shadow was blown against the wall, but he had combined Iron Body with Haki to withstand the attack. Shadow Shaved to them again, swinging kicks and karate chops that the duo defended from using their powers. Accelerator released a pulse that blew Shadow and Misaka back. He shot a glare at Shadow, then glanced to Misaka with a smirk. Misaka charged lightning, aimed at Shadow, but suddenly shifted her direction to Accelerator. The metahuman held his hands behind him and compressed all of the lightning into a single core. Misaka gave him even more until he had an electric ball that was two feet wide.

Shadow smirked and threw off his wrist rings, brimming with a powerful aura. Shadow charged at Accelerator full speed, and the metahuman slam-dunked the electro sphere into the Ultimate Life Form. The result was an explosion that blew the building off of its foundation. (End song.)

The building flew across the city and landed in the middle of a construction yard. The carpenter sighed, "Sigh… I hate this city."

After the dust settled, Doflamingo was revealed to be protected in a string cocoon. Nolan was able to retrieve Last Order, having wrapped the girl in his arms. Misaka and Accelerator were exhausted, and Shadow lay defeated on the ground. …The hedgehog opened his eyes and casually got back up. "Heh… Finally, I've been given a real challenge."

"You've GOT to be kidding me…" Accelerator sighed.

"Fufufufufufu! I think it's time to be rid of this little nuisance." Doffy said. "End them, Shadow."

Suddenly, needles appeared in Shadow's arms and legs. "ERRGH!"

"That's as far as you go!" Shirai Kuroko teleported into the room. "As a member of Judgment, I am placing you under arrest for attempted murder and destruction of property!"

"Kuroko…" Misaka said in surprise.

"Oh, great, another nuisance. Shadow, get rid of-"

"'If you kill anyone else, then let it be us,' Misaka says with bravery."

Doflamingo was shocked to find a swarm of Misaka Clones surrounding the hole in the ground where the room was. "'We Misakas have decided we are not going to play your game,' says Misaka, continuing the noble speech."

"'It occurred to us that the Level 6 cannot become stronger if the Misakas refuse to fight,' Misaka explains our earlier realization."

"'So, now the Misakas will no longer fight you. By all means, you may destroy us all here and now,' Misaka says with fearlessness. All of her sisters share her determined, yet seemingly emotionless auras."

All of the Sisters sat down and closed their eyes. Shadow examined them curiously, sensing no intentions to attack. "…Well, this is a major drawback in the plan. If they aren't going to fight, I have no reason to waste time with them."

"Hold on a minute!" Doflamingo shouted. "I gave you an order to kill Sandman and his colleagues! Besides, you can't possibly let them live, knowing about CP0!"

"Hey, genius." Vanellope jumped out of Nolan's watch. "I heard everything you said. We just posted everything about CP0 to the Internet. The KND's gonna hear and so will everyone else."

A sweatdrop trickled down Shadow's fur. "Well… I'm never gonna live this down. 'Guess it's time to leave."

"NO! You didn't complete your mission!" Doffy stated. "Do you want your pay or not?!"

"I don't care about money. I just needed experience, which your Misaka Clones can no longer provide. Farewell… Sandman. I look forward to seeing how strong your kids have become." Shadow kicked on his rocket shoes and vanished in a blink.

"AAH!" Nolan grabbed Doflamingo by the scruff and propped him over his leg. "What are you doing?!"

"Something your father never did!" Nolan raised his Armament hand.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!" Misaka, Accelerator, Kuroko, and Vanellope shielded their eyes from the cruel punishment. The Misaka Clones remained completely indifferent at the sight. When it was over, Doflamingo was knocked out.

"Mission accomplished." Nolan declared, hanging him over his shoulder. "I'll take this kid off your hands."

"Sandman, wait!" Misaka ran up to him. "I…I…" She looked away with a blush. "Thank you… for saving them. Really. If there's anything I can do-"

"We still need to find all the Riddler Trophies in this town."

"Oh, yeah. Well, I'll be glad to help with that!"

"Siiiissyyyyy…"

"Uhh…" Misaka awkwardly turned to, "Kuroko?"

"You had 20,000 sisters and you NEVER TOLD ME?!" The pigtailed girl grabbed her friend and shook her frantically. "How could you?! I would've KILLED to have 20,000 clones of you! More Sissies than I can fondle, more than enough to last me a thousand lifetimes!"

"Kuroko, this is exactly why I never told you, I knew you would overreact this way, and besides, a whole lot of them were killed!"

"All those chances to build gravestones for you, all those opportunities to cry for you wasted, why don't you tell me about these things, why do you deny me my rights?!"

"This was none of your business, Kuroko, and I wasn't gonna have you trying to molest my Sisters, quit shaking my…!"

Leaving them to their quarrel, Nolan strapped Doflamingo in the Sandmobile and took off for GUN. "Ergh…ugh…ow… my bottom…" Doffy grunted.

"Are we awake?" Nolan asked.

"YOU! You son of a bitch… you had NO right to do that!"

"Someone had to teach you respect."

"The only one I respected was my father! And you let him DIE!"

"Your father was evil, Doffy. You didn't have to be like him. Your sister was happy to be free from him. You could've joined her."

"You think you know what's good and what's evil in the world. People like you who are all about justice, not caring who you hurt. You don't deserve to call yourself heroes!"

"If you don't care who you hurt either, you'll have a hard time getting us to listen…"

They arrived at GUN H.Q. and parked in the underground garage. Nolan dragged Doflamingo to the same cell as the other villains, allowing him to join the club. "I was doing the world a favor getting rid of those clones. You want to encourage overpopulation, Sandman? It's bound to happen once aliens start flooding the place."

"It's a big universe, Doffy. We'll make room." Nolan sealed the cell.

"You really have a way with words, Nolan." Revan said. "And you're very subjective in who you help and who you hurt. So, what's next in our objectives?"

"I might as well rescue the parents from Riddler." Nolan said to himself. "Then I'll help with Mandy's problem. By then, hopefully I'll find where Affright's hiding."