As the Celestic Justice fleet prepared to depart, Dr. Aron stepped aside, activating his communicator. A holographic image of Jeromy flickered to life - his sharp eyes immediately scanning Aron's worried face.
Jeromy: "Aron... this better not be about Sheila."
Dr. Aron: "It is."
Jeromy's jaw tightened.
Dr. Aron: "She's been captured by an unknown enemy. I got a call - no way to track it. They showed me a live image of her... restrained. I don't know who they are, but they want us to tread carefully."
Jeromy remained silent for a long moment. Then-
Jeromy: "I'll take command of the Resistance in her absence."
Dr. Aron exhaled, relieved.
Dr. Aron: "Thank you, Jeromy. We need every ounce of leadership right now."
Jeromy's voice hardened.
Jeromy: "No need to thank me. Just bring her back."
Without hesitation, Jeromy turned away from the hologram and barked orders at his squad.
Jeromy: "Resistance troops - gear up! We're launching for Dales immediately!"
In moments, Resistance spaceships roared to life, the air trembling with their power. The fleet lifted off, led by Jeromy at the helm of the main cruiser.
Back at Heatsun's base - Tim, Rei, Edward, Jim, and Dr. Aron boarded the Celestic Justice ships, their focus locked on Dales.
The atmosphere was tense, a silent determination uniting them all.
As the ships ascended, Dr. Aron's voice broke the silence.
Dr. Aron: "We can't rush in recklessly. This enemy took Sheila down without us knowing - they're calculated. We need to strategize."
Jim furrowed his brow.
Jim: "So what's the plan?"
Dr. Aron adjusted his glasses, his mind racing.
Dr. Aron: "We'll meet the Resistance on Planet Rylis - it's a neutral planet just outside of Dales' system. It'll be a safe place for both forces to gather and plan."
Edward nodded firmly.
Edward: "Rylis it is. Once we regroup, we strategize - then we strike."
_ _ _
The journey through space was tense - the only sounds were the steady hum of the spaceship engines and the occasional status report from Celestic Justice officers. Tim tapped his foot restlessly, his fingers drumming against the hilt of his Solar Saber.
Tim: "Feels like we're moving in slow motion. How far is Rylis?"
Edward, standing near the cockpit, didn't even glance back.
Edward: "We'll be there in ten minutes. Be patient."
Tim huffed, leaning back in his seat.
Rei: "If you're so bored, why don't you plan something useful instead of whining?"
Tim opened his mouth for a comeback, but Dr. Aron cut in.
Dr. Aron: "Focus, both of you."
Jim stood quietly by a window, his arms crossed, eyes locked on the endless starry void.
The thought of Sheila - trapped somewhere on Dales - weighed on him. She was more than just a commander; she was a wife, a mother, and a hero to countless people.
After what felt like an eternity, the planet Rylis came into view - a green-hued orb swirling with patches of white clouds. It was a neutral world, untouched by Dark Void's influence.
The ships descended into the atmosphere, landing on a barren stretch of land shielded by natural cliffs - a strategic spot to avoid detection.
As the Celestic Justice ships powered down, a roar of engines echoed from the sky. Moments later, the Resistance fleet - led by Jeromy's flagship - touched down nearby.
The air grew heavier as the two factions faced each other.
Jeromy, stepping out of his ship, locked eyes with Edward. Though both were leaders of powerful forces, there was no rivalry - only an unspoken respect.
Jeromy: "Edward."
Edward: "Jeromy."
A curt nod between them.
Dr. Aron wasted no time.
Dr. Aron: "We don't have long. Sheila's life is on the line."
Jeromy's voice was steady but sharp.
Jeromy: "Let's talk strategy."
The combined forces moved to a temporary command center hastily set up with holographic maps and communication devices.
Edward pointed to a projection of Planet Dales.
Edward: "Dales' main fortress is here. Sheila infiltrated it but was captured before she could return. Our best lead is Gravik - the commander she defeated. If he's still alive, we need to make him talk."
Jeromy crossed his arms.
Jeromy: "And what about the enemy who captured her?"
Dr. Aron adjusted his glasses.
Dr. Aron: "We don't know who they are yet. The call was encrypted - it's someone careful and methodical."
Jim clenched his fist.
Jim: "Then we make them show their face."
Tim stepped forward.
Tim: "We raid Dales- fast and direct. They won't have time to react."
Rei shook her head.
Rei: "Rushing in could get Sheila killed."
Jeromy's jaw tightened.
Jeromy: "She's right. We need to strike smart."
Edward narrowed his eyes at the holographic map.
Edward: "I suggest a two-pronged approach. One team infiltrates the fortress quietly - their only goal is to rescue Sheila. The other team draws the enemy's attention outside with a full-frontal assault."
Dr. Aron nodded slowly.
Dr. Aron: "That way, they're too distracted to hurt Sheila before we reach her."
Jeromy's gaze swept over the gathered warriors.
Jeromy: "Who leads each team?"
Tim stepped forward without hesitation.
Tim: "I'm going with the infiltration team. Rei too."
Rei blinked in surprise, but then gave a firm nod.
Jim smirked.
Jim: "I'll be with the assault team. Someone has to break down their front door."
Edward gave a small smile.
Edward: "I'll lead the attack. Jeromy, you'll command the infiltration team."
Jeromy agreed.
Jeromy: "Let's move fast. Every second we waste is a second Sheila doesn't have."
With the plan set, the combined forces of Celestic Justice and the Resistance prepared for the mission.
The assault and infiltration teams struck Planet Dales like twin storms - one loud and devastating, the other silent but deadly.
Edward led the full-frontal attack, his Celestic Justice warriors clashing with monstrous soldiers whose strength rivaled Dark Void's commanders. Jim(transformed as Grey Warrior) fought at Edward's side, his Solar-Lunar energy flaring with every strike, cutting down enemies with blinding speed.
Jim's Solun Strikes carved through the battlefield, while Edward unleashed his Celestic Flurry with his bare hands, turning waves of enemies into little inanimate pieces.
Meanwhile, Jeromy led the infiltration team - Tim(transformed as Solar Warrior) and Rei(transformed as Lunar Warrior) fighting like a seamless duo. Tim's Solar Saber burned hotter than before, and Rei's Lunar Crescent cut through even the toughest foes. Their teamwork had evolved.
Jeromy, however, was a force of nature.
He moved with the precision of a veteran and the strength of a war machine, tearing apart monsters twice his size with brutal efficiency. His punches cracked the very walls of the fortress, and his kicks sent enemies flying like rag dolls.
Tim: "Remind me never to get on Jeromy's bad side..."
Rei: "Focus, Tim."
After fierce battles, the two teams finally converged at the throne room - the grand doors shattered open by Jeromy's punch.
Inside, sitting nervously on the throne, was Gravik. His greatsword trembled in his hands as the combined forces stormed in.
Gravik: "S-Stay back! I'll fight if I have to!"
He swung his sword in self-defense - but before it could connect, Jeromy moved like a blur and smacked Gravik so hard that the massive warrior flew across the room, crashing into a pillar.
Tim: "Whoa..."
Gravik, groaning, tried to rise - only for Edward to arrive seconds later, striking him with a Celestic-powered blow that sent him flying in the opposite direction.
For the next few moments, it became a brutal - and oddly comical - contest between Jeromy and Edward as Gravik was tossed back and forth like a helpless ragdoll, each warrior seemingly trying to land the hardest hit.
Eventually, Gravik - battered and broken - flopped onto the ground, waving a hand weakly.
Gravik: "I surrender! Please - no more!"
Dr. Aron stepped forward, his voice firm.
Dr. Aron: "Where is Sheila?"
Gravik, his voice shaking, spilled the truth.
Gravik: "She... she was taken by Chief Commander Blooma. She found out one of Dark Void's secret ruins hidden here on Dales - I helped Blooma capture her. Sheila was already injured... she didn't stand a chance."
Everyone's expressions darkened at the name.
Tim: "And what did Blooma tell you after that?"
Gravik gulped.
Gravik: "She told me to take back my position - to rule Dales like I was before - and pretend nothing happened."
Jeromy's fists tightened.
Jeromy: "Where did Blooma take Sheila?"
Gravik trembled but remained silent.
Jim stepped closer, his Solar-Lunar energy flaring dangerously.
Jim: "Answer him."
Gravik's cowardice broke like glass.
Gravik: "I-I'll tell you! Just don't hit me again!"
The room fell into a tense silence as Gravik finished speaking, his voice still shaking.
Gravik: "Planet Yamark... it's not like anything you've ever faced. It's a cursed world... full of ghostly apparitions, zombies, demons... twisted creatures born from the darkest nightmares. Blooma uses their fears to break them - over and over again - until nothing is left of their spirit."
Dr. Aron's hands clenched at his sides, his face pale.
Dr. Aron: "And Sheila is there now?"
Gravik nodded.
Tim: "Alright - then we're going to Yamark. Simple."
Gravik: "It's... not that simple."
Everyone's eyes locked onto him, impatience growing.
Gravik: "There's only one way to enter Planet Yamark... through a blood ritual."
Jim's brow furrowed.
Jim: "Blood ritual?"
Gravik, still trembling, explained.
Gravik: "You need a mirror... a special one, linked directly to Blooma's realm. Stand in front of it, and chant her name - Lady Blooma - ten times."
The room seemed to grow colder.
Gravik: "Once you do... the mirror will glow blood-red, and a portal will open. Anyone standing near it will be... dragged in."
Tim crossed his arms.
Tim: "Dragged in? Doesn't sound so bad."
Gravik's voice cracked.
Gravik: "But there's a catch."
Dr. Aron tensed.
Gravik: "Once you're pulled into Planet Yamark... there's no escape. The mirror in this world will shatter after the ritual - sealing you inside. Forever."
Silence.
Rei's jaw tightened.
Rei: "So we'd be willingly trapping ourselves."
Gravik: "Yes... and there's one more thing."
Edward stepped forward, his voice calm but deadly.
Edward: "Speak."
Gravik: "The mirror only allows a maximum of six people to enter before it shatters. No more, no less."
Jeromy's fists clenched.
Jeromy: "Where is the mirror?"
Gravik: "I-It's here... in the heart of the fortress."
Tim looked at the others - Edward, Jeromy, Jim, Rei, and Dr. Aron. The decision was obvious.
Tim: "We don't have a choice. We go in... all six of us. And we bring Sheila back."
Jim nodded.
Jim: "No matter what's waiting for us on the other side."
Dr. Aron's heart raced, fear gnawing at him - but there was no turning back.
Jeromy's voice rumbled like thunder.
Jeromy: "Let's find the mirror."
Meanwhile...
In the dark, menacing expanse of his base-ship, Dark Void lounged on the throne. His long, clawed fingers tapped against the armrest, his head tilted ever so slightly - as if lost in thought.
The recent memory of Deadbeat's defeat still burned in his mind.
The loss wasn't just shocking - it was unthinkable.
How could a loyal monstrosity like Deadbeat - enhanced by Void's dark energy - be overpowered? The answer gnawed at him. He couldn't allow his reputation to be stained.
The mere thought of it irritated him to the core.
So, he had decided to take a long slumber - a method he often used to calm his boiling rage. While asleep, his body would regenerate, his mind would sharpen, and his powers would simmer like a dormant volcano.
But that peace was shattered.
Even in his sleep, Dark Void's telepathic senses remained alert - especially toward planets under his control.
Suddenly, from far away, he sensed a powerful disturbance on Planet Dales - an unsettling surge of energy unlike the usual Resistance attacks.
His eyes snapped open.
His aura darkened the entire chamber, crackling with violet lightning. His fury simmered beneath the surface.
Dark Void: "Another raid... but this one... far too strong..."
There was no mistaking it - this was not just another random skirmish.
The energy signature was massive - one that outclassed most of his Commanders' strength.
Generally Dark Void didn't prioritised all the planets under his rule as many planets under his rule didn't benefit him much or weren't much significant.
But Dales was almost like his stronghold.It was an important planet.
Dark Void: "Who dares..."
He clenched his fist, his anger bubbling dangerously.
If Dales was lost, it would be an embarrassment - not because of its strategic value, but because it would embolden the Resistance.
He couldn't allow that.
Without hesitation, Dark Void activated a special, enchanted Mirror of Summoning - a black, glassy surface swirling with dark smoke.
Dark Void: "Chief Commander Blooma... come forth."
The mirror rippled like liquid darkness.
Slowly, a shadowy figure emerged - tall, elegant, yet utterly menacing. Blooma.
Her long, black cloak dragged behind her. Her ghostly pale skin seemed to glow, and her eyes - pitch black with blood-red irises - locked onto Dark Void with unwavering loyalty.
Blooma: "My lord..."
Dark Void's voice was calm - too calm.
Dark Void: "Dales... there is a disturbance. Far stronger than a simple rebellion. Go. End it. I want no mistakes."
Blooma smirked - a slow, unsettling smile.
Blooma: "Consider it done, my lord."
And like a shadow melting into the night, she vanished into the mirror.
By the time Blooma arrived at Dales, the battlefield was already in chaos - the Resistance soldiers, led by Sheila, had broken through the fortress's defenses.
But Blooma wasn't here for the battle - she was here for the root of the disturbance.
Following the trail of energy, she moved like a wraith, undetectable, until she spotted Sheila deep in the ruins - investigating the ancient remnants of a secret Dark Void had long buried.
Her cold gaze flickered to Gravik, who stood beside Sheila, his fear of Blooma already creeping into his bones.
From the shadows, Blooma leaned in - her voice barely above a whisper.
Blooma: "Lure her to me... unless you want to learn the true meaning of suffering..."
Gravik's heart thudded painfully in his chest. He knew better than to defy Blooma.
Nodding weakly, he turned to Sheila with a forced urgency.
Gravik: "There's something more - just ahead! You have to see it."
Sheila, already battered but determined, didn't hesitate. She had to uncover whatever secret Dark Void had left behind.
She followed him into a more secluded part of the ruins - the air growing heavier, darker.
Then, from the shadows...
A dark tendril of energy lashed out, sending Sheila flying across the ancient stone walls.
Sheila, despite her injuries, roared in defiance, summoning her remaining strength.
Sheila: "You picked the wrong opponent..."
She unleashed a brutal combination of her strongest attacks - dual stab, martial strikes, twin saber rampage - fighting with all the ferocity of a battle-hardened warrior.
But Blooma was too strong - too fast.
And Sheila was already weakened from her previous battle.
After an intense struggle, Blooma conjured a blood-red portal beneath Sheila's feet.
The ground seemed to swallow her whole.
Before Sheila could react, chains of shadow bound her, pulling her into the dark abyss.
Her furious cry echoed for a split second before it was silenced.
The portal sealed shut.
Blooma smiled.
She turned to Gravik.
Blooma: "Return to your throne and continue ruling this planet. Or I'll rip your soul apart next time."
Gravik didn't speak - only nodded fearfully.
And with that, Sheila was gone - dragged into the nightmare realm of Planet Yamark.