Zataria's Last Light-Chapter 43: Gram Saves the Day

As Daru and Zodiac battled with their newfound powers, Zodiac unleashed light arrows at Iris, who had her barrier raised. The arrows exploded, shattering the barrier and sending Iris crashing to the ground. Zodiac approached her slowly.

Zodiac: Don't tell me you're finished already.

Iris: T-this is impossible! We should have won this fight!

Zodiac: Hmph, it seems you're nothing but royal scum.

At that moment, Lance re-entered the fray, launching multiple gravity balls at Zodiac.

Lance: WHY DON'T YOU JUST STAY DOWN!

Zodiac switched his weapon, summoning a light scythe and sending slashing projectiles that cut through Lance's gravity balls.

Lance: WHAT!?

Lance charged at Zodiac, attempting to punch him, but Zodiac effortlessly dodged each strike. As he moved, he noticed glowing pressure points on Lance's body.

Zodiac: (to himself) What is that? Why am I seeing glowing spots on him?

As Lance aimed for one final punch, Zodiac ducked and slashed at Lance's leg, targeting a glowing spot. Upon contact, Lance screamed and fell to one knee, clutching his injured leg. Zodiac followed up with another slash attack, but Iris quickly erected her energy barrier around Lance. Despite her efforts, the force pushed them both back, causing Lance to roll on the ground.

Iris: Brother, no!

Zodiac: (to himself) Hitting that spot inflicted significant damage on Lance. I must be able to reveal pressure points and double the damage.

Iris rushed to assist him to his feet.

Iris: Are you okay, brother?

Lance brushed her off and limped slightly.

Lance: Don't worry about me! I'm going to end this piece of trash right now.

Lance powered up his gauntlets to the maximum, forming a massive gravity ball.

Lance: This is where you lose, Zodiac!

He punched the gravity ball toward Zodiac, pulling in everything around it. Zodiac remained still as the ball absorbed him. The gravity ball began to pulse rapidly, signaling an imminent explosion.

Lance: YOU'RE FINISHED!

Lance snapped his fingers, causing the gravity ball to explode and shaking the entire area.

Iris: There's no way he can survive that!

A few seconds passed, revealing two white dots in the smoke as Zodiac emerged, unfazed.

Zodiac: Was that the best you could do? What a disappointment...

Lance and Iris began to feel apprehensive.

Lance: T-there's no way! I put everything into that attack!

Iris: This guy is not human!

Zodiac activates Sudoshi, appearing beside Lance and Iris as he unleashes a powerful slash attack with his scythe, sending them both flying down the street and crashing into cars, poles, and other objects. He activates Sudoshi again, materializing right behind them and summoning his greatsword. Charging up his sword, he slams it into the ground, creating a massive shockwave of light that propels them into the air. He summons his scythe once more and ascends a building at full speed. Zodiac leaps off the structure toward Lance and Iris, launching a barrage of rapid attacks around them. They attempt to block his slashes but are unable to keep up with his speed. Utilizing Sudoshi again, he lands on the ground and summons his light bow. Aiming the bow above Lance and Iris, he fires an arrow that soars overhead.

Zodiac: Let's make it rain.

The arrow explodes in midair, releasing hundreds of smaller arrows that rain down on Lance and Iris, striking them as they descend. They crash to the ground, and the remaining arrows detonate, leaving them bloodied and bruised. Both Lance and Iris struggle to rise, trembling.

Iris: I hate to say this, brother, but we cannot defeat him. He is far too powerful.

Lance: No! I refuse to lose to him!

Iris: But we—

Lance: WE ARE NOT LOSING TO HIM! DO YOU UNDERSTAND!?

Zodiac shakes his head, smirking.

Zodiac: Your sister makes a valid point. Why not just stay down and be the obedient dog that you are?

Lance's anger flares as he charges at Zodiac.

Lance: YOU SON OF A BITCH!

As Lance approaches, Zodiac closes his eyes as Lance punches his body and face, leaving him motionless. Lance begins to laugh maniacally.

Lance: YEAH, YOU LIKE THAT!?

While Lance continues to strike him, Iris senses something is amiss with Zodiac.

Iris: Wait, something doesn't feel right. Why is he allowing Lance to hit him?

As Zodiac remains still, Lance suddenly sees him disappear, only to find him behind him, shaking his head.

Zodiac: It's over.

Multiple slashes strike Lance, causing him to collapse to the ground, unconscious.

Iris: What the!? What just happened!?

Zodiac looks at Iris.

Zodiac: He lost the moment he chose to attack me.

Now, with only Zodiac and Iris present, the scene shifts to Becan, who is holding his hand and looking at Daru.

Becan: Pain itself?

Daru: Yes, exactly! You're the second person who's actually made me feel something.

Becan: You're still a weakling and always will be.

Daru's frustration escalates.

Daru: Seriously, stop calling me that.

Becan: Did I trigger something?

Daru: Just stop calling me that.

Becan: Or what?

Daru: As I said, stop calling me that.

Becan (beginning to smile): Whoever taught you to fight really sucked.

Daru: What did you just say?

Becan: I said whoever taught you to fight did a terrible job. He must be weak as well.

Daru: Shut up.

Becan: (to himself) That's it. The more pissed off he gets, the crazier he'll become, and he'll be off guard, giving me the chance to finish this fight.

Daru: I'm telling you to stop talking.

Becan: Why? Is he dead or something?

Daru's face shows shock for a few moments, which Becan notices.

Becan: Uh—he is dead... WOW! HE WAS THAT WEAK! I WAS JUST MAKING THAT UP, BUT HE TRULY DIED! HE MUST HAVE BEEN WEAK!

Daru: SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!

Becan: THAT MUST EXPLAIN WHY HE DIED—BECAUSE HE WAS TOO WEAK.

Daru begins to clench his fists.

Daru: Rito IS NOT WEAK!!

Becan: Uh—Rito, that's his name... even his name sounds weak; he mu—

Before Becan can finish, Daru is right in his face, throwing a punch.

Becan: Wh—

Daru punches Becan with such force that he is propelled through seven rocks, stopping at the eighth.

Becan: Ahh!

Becan sees Daru again, his face contorted with anger as Daru grabs his shirt and presses him against the rock.

Daru: (furious) HE IS NOT WEAK!!!!

Becan feels a surge of fear as Daru's expression turns menacing. Daru begins to punch Becan in the face, causing the rock behind him to crack.

Daru: HE (PUNCH) IS (PUNCH) NOT (PUNCH) WEAK! (PUNCH) YOU ARE!! (PUNCH)

With each punch, Becan is propelled through three trees, ultimately landing in the city. Struggling to rise, he spits out blood.

Becan: W-what the hell is going on? It wasn't supposed to go like this.

Daru emerges from the woods, and Becan notices his arms and legs are surrounded by a faint light purple aura.

Becan: (to himself) Okay! Now let's turn up the heat!

As Daru approaches, Becan rises to his feet and shouts, flames flickering around him.

Becan: COME ON, WEAKLING!

Daru charges at Becan, who responds in kind. They both throw punches, but as their fists collide, Becan realizes he is being pushed backward.

Becan: (Shocked) Wh- how?

Daru: RAHHHHH!!!

Daru overpowers Becan, sending him crashing into a building.

Becan: Uhhh—how? I'm at full power.

Daru: I'm not done with you yet!

Becan: I'm not done either... weakling!

As Daru clenches his fist again, he notices a purple aura surrounding him.

Daru: What the?

He examines his veins, which have thickened, with an aura emanating from his hands.

Daru: What is this?

Daru recalls the sphere from the dark room he was in.

Daru: (Shocked) It looks like the same thing from that room.

Becan: Hey, asshole!

Daru turns to see Becan preparing a fire blast.

Becan: Eat this!

Becan fires his blast, but Daru punches through it.

Becan: (Shocked and scared) Ugh... I... don't understand... how this is possible!

Daru: It is possible.

Becan watches as Daru approaches him.

Daru: Look, you can't damage me anymore; this fight's over.

Becan: Over... OVER!! THIS FIGHT IS FAR FROM OVER!!

Becan jumps away from Daru, preparing to unleash a powerful move.

Becan: LET'S SEE IF YOU CAN TAKE MY STRONGEST ATTACK!!!

Becan extends his hands and begins to wave them in a circle, creating four fireballs. He combines them into a massive fire blast, larger than the previous one, which begins melting everything around it.

Becan: EAT THIS!! FIRE METEOR!!!!

Becan launches the fire blast toward Daru. As it approaches, Daru recalls what Rito taught him.

(Flashback) Rito: There's one thing left I can teach you; it's called the Medadochi.

Daru closes his eyes and envisions Becan casting the move. He begins to replicate the exact movements.

Cindy: What's he doing?

Zodek: Is he doing what I think he's doing? It can't be.

Daru creates four purple fireballs and combines them, making them slightly larger than Becan's.

Lith: WHAT!!

Sai: But how!!

Reiji: COOL!!

Daru opens his eyes and sends his fire blast toward Becan's. The two fire blasts collide, igniting trees, rocks, cars, buildings, and more.

Becan: That's impossible! How can he do the same thing?!

Daru's fire blast overpowers Becan's.

Becan: N-no!! NO!!

Daru's fire blast absorbs Becan's and heads straight for him.

Becan: THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE!!!

As the blast approaches Becan, it detonates, propelling him several feet away.

Becan: Ahh!!

He opens his eyes, realizing he has sustained minimal damage.

Becan: I-I'm still alive? How?

Daru: Because I made it explode.

Becan watches as Daru approaches.

Becan: W-what? Why?

Daru: If that blast had struck you, you could have died.

Becan: I don't understand. Why did you save me?

Daru: I'm not a killer; I think killing is stupid.

Becan begins to cry.

Daru: Uhhh...

Becan rises as his flames dissipate and embraces Daru.

Daru: What th—

Becan: DUDE!! That was the kindest thing anyone has ever said to me!

Daru: What? I didn't even say anything nice. Can you get off me?

Becan: (releases the hug) Ohh, sorry... Hey dude, I'm sorry for saying you were weak and about your friend...

Daru: It's all good. Don't worry; I know you're not the type to say things like that.

Becan: Ahh!! Yeah, I'm really not. I just wanted a fiery fight; it always gets me CRANKED UP!!

Daru: (chuckles) I see, and you said there was something wrong with me.

Becan starts to laugh and extends his hand to Daru.

Becan: My name is Becan Hamaroo.

As Daru's powers fade, so do his hair and veins.

Daru: Ah... Daru Yoshido.

Daru and Becan shake hands, and music begins to play.

Music: YOU DID IT! YOU DID IT! YOU DID IT!

Zodiac and Iris cease fighting upon hearing the music, as do Himitsu and Kora.

Zodiac: Music?

Iris: What is this now?

Himitsu begins to dance.

Himitsu: Oh yeah, I like this.

Kora: STOP DANCING, YOU TWERP!

The Instructor steps forward to speak.

Instructor: Umm... Ladies and gentlemen, and all creatures, we have a winner.

Zodek: Someone won?

Cindy: Who was it!?

Sai: I wonder who won.

Lith: I'm fairly certain it was the Honsor Crew.

Reiji: I think it's the Maivelance Crew.

Lith strikes Reiji on the head.

Reiji: Ow!!!

Lith: They couldn't have won; they were all fighting.

Instructor: And the winner of the Newbie Event is... THE MAIVELANCE CREW!!

Everyone falls silent, shocked by the announcement.

Zodiac, Himitsu, Daru, Kono: We won?

Zodek: What? How did they win? That's fantastic, but how?

Lith: WHAT!!! THERE'S NO WAY!!

Sai: IT MUST BE RIGGED.

Reiji: I WAS RIGHT! (laughs foolishly)

Sai hits Reiji on the head.

Reiji: Ow!

Cindy starts to laugh.

Zodek: Hu—why are you laughing?

Cindy: Because I know how they won.

Zodek: Really? You do? How?

Cindy: Not how... who?

Zodek looks confused.

Instructor: AND ON THE MAIVELANCE CREW, THE MVP GOES TO... GRAM!!

The camera zooms in on Gram at the Maivelance base, enthusiastically jumping and dancing.

Gram: YES... I DID IT! GRAM IS THE GREATEST! GRAM IS THE GREATEST!!

Daru begins to laugh.

Becan: Huh? What's so funny?

Daru: Gram, you actually did it!

Zodiac: (Chuckles and smirks) I guess he is useful after all.

Kono: HURRAY FOR GRAM!!

Zodek: GRAM!?!? WHAT? HOW!?!

Cindy: While the other teams were engaged in battle, Gram was on the opposite side of the map. All the crews left their base to assist their teammates, allowing Gram to easily walk in and retrieve their flag—not to mention he also picked up the flag that Himitsu shot towards their base.

Zodek: Haha... that guy is something else...

Cindy: I know he certainly is. (Laughs)

Himitsu: LET'S GO!!! YEAH, GRAM!!! I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT!! YEAHHHH!!

Iris approaches her brother and lifts him off the ground, carrying Lance on her shoulder. Zodiac's powers fade away as his eye tattoo, which held weapons, reverts to his dual blades, which he then secures on his back.

Zodiac: That fool really won it for us.

Kono and Koda rush to Zodiac.

Kono: We did it, Zodiac! The Maivelance crew won!

Zodiac: Yeah, I know; you don't have to repeat it.

Koda: (Laughing) What an intriguing event.

Zodiac: Why are you laughing? Aren't you mad that you lost?

Koda: It's inconsequential. I just wanted to join this event to see if there were any skilled fighters, and I was not disappointed.

Kono: What about the rematch you wanted with Zodiac?

Koda: (Laughing) I don't think I'll be seeking a rematch anytime soon. Zodiac's power is on a different level.

Kono: Yeah, it was incredible!

Koda looks at Zodiac.

Koda: But don't think I've given up on that rematch, Zodiac. I will be training rigorously to surpass you.

Zodiac: We'll see about that. (Smirking)

As they converse, Iris approaches Zodiac and the others, still carrying her brother.

Iris: Don't think this is the end, Zodiac! This is just the beginning!

Zodiac: I won't lie; you've pushed me to my limits. Especially you, Iris. Your power is impressive.

Iris blushes, quickly averting her gaze as she begins to walk away.

Iris: D-don't think I'll accept your compliment!

Koda and Kono share a lighthearted moment as she walks away with her brother.

Koda: I'll head back to my crew. Until next time.

Kono: See you later! (Waves)

Becan turns to Daru.

Becan: Great job, man; you've earned it.

Daru: Thanks... you fought well.

Becan: Just so you know, I am looking forward to a rematch.

Daru: Yeah... I want mine too.

Becan and Daru exchange smiles as Kora reverts to her original form.

Kora: How?

Himitsu: Huh?

Kora: I didn't even notice him.

Himitsu: That's Gram for you; he can hide in plain sight.

Kora: Hmm... well, I guess it's farewell.

Himitsu: (sadly) Aww, I guess it is. It was nice meeting you.

Kora approaches Himitsu, bending slightly to kiss him on the cheek. Himitsu's eyes widen, and he freezes.

Kora: It was truly wonderful meeting you. Until next time, Himitsu.

Himitsu: Uhhhhhh... ahh...

Himitsu faints and collapses to the ground.

Himitsu: I believe I'm in love.

Instructor: Thank you to everyone who watched and participated in the event. Please return to your bases; your ships will be ready to take you back to Sampostis.

Daru: Well, until next time, Becan.

Becan: Yes, until next time.

Becan and Daru begin their walk back to their bases.

Becan: (to himself) That guy is one scary strong dude. But next time we meet, I won't hold back.

Daru: (to himself) Becan... when we meet again, I'll be the one to turn up the heat.

As all the Maivelance crew members head back to the base, Daru notices Gram with his arms crossed in the center of the area.

Gram: Hey, Daru!!! I mean... sup, Daru.

Daru: Hmm... good work.

Gram looks taken aback.

Gram: W-sorry, what? Could you repeat that?

Daru: Do you want me to punch you?

Gram: Okay, okay, jeez, don't get all uptight.

Gram says this as he spots Zodiac and Kono.

Gram: (waving) AHH!... Hey Kono and Zodiac!!

Kono: Hello, Gram! Excellent job winning the event for us!

Zodiac: For someone who usually just runs around, I'm impressed it was you who did it.

Gram: (with a cheeky smile) And that's why they call me Gram the Great!

Zodiac shakes his head.

Zodiac: Whatever.

As they continue walking, Himitsu returns to the base with a peculiar smile.

Gram: Hey, Himi—uh... you okay, Himitsu?

Himitsu: (in a dreamy voice) I-I'm perfect.

Suddenly, Himitsu collapses to the ground and faints.

Gram & Kono: Himitsu!

They hurriedly approach and tilt his head toward them, revealing a goofy smile.

Himitsu: I'm in love...

Kono: What the—

Gram: Uhh.

Daru and Zodiac exchange glances.

Daru: You look rough.

Zodiac: I could say the same to you.

They both chuckle as Daru turns to Gram.

Daru: Alright, let's go. Gram, pick up Himitsu, and let's head back.

Gram: Ugh! Why do I have to do it? I was the one who saved the day!

Zodiac: Yep. Now pick him up, and let's go.

Gram: (Crying) Ahhh!

Kono: Don't worry, Gram, I'll help.

Gram: (Tears in his eyes) Thank you, Kono.

Everyone boards the ship as Himitsu awakens.

Himitsu: KORA!?

Kono: What?

Gram: AHH! You startled me!

Himitsu: No, no, was it a dream? Ahhh! (Crying)

Zodiac: So, what now?

Daru: What do you mean?

Zodiac: When we return to Sampostis, then what?

Kono begins to laugh.

Daru: Why are you laughing?

Kono: Now we will make The Maivelane Crew known throughout Sampostis.

Meanwhile, Duviri is attempting to wake Zorren from his slumber. Zorren is snuggled in bed, with a blanket over his face.

Duviri: Mr. President... Mr. President... Mr. President...

Zorren: AHHHHH! WHAT?!

Duviri: The Newbie Event is over.

Zorren: So what? I don't care about the Newbie Event if no one ever wins.

Duviri: Well, sir, someone did win.

Zorren: Oh wow, good for them. Who was it? Let me guess—the Virgos?

Duviri: Umm... no.

Zorren: Then who was it? fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

Duviri: Umm...

Zorren: Well, spit it out... who?

Duviri: The Maivelane Crew won, Mr. President.

Zorren slowly removes the blanket from his face and looks at Duviri.

Zorren: WHAT?!