Despite the teasing, the mood quickly shifted back to seriousness as Jim stood up and stretched.
Jim: "I'm feeling a bit better now. I think I can start moving properly again."
Aron, who had been checking his condition, immediately crossed his arms and frowned.
Aron: "Absolutely not."
Jim blinked.
Jim: "...Huh?"
Aron: "You're still healing. I'm not letting you fight until you're fully recovered."
Jim opened his mouth to protest, but before he could argue-
Jeromy (suddenly speaking): "...I will be leaving today....as I said."
Everyone turned to look at him.
Jeromy had been quiet all morning, standing near the exit, already looking prepared to leave.
Rei (surprised): "You're leaving already?"
Jeromy (nodding): "I've already recovered enough, and I need to return to train the Celestic Justice Squad. I can't even waste a second here."
Jim frowned, looking at him carefully.
Jim: "Jeromy... you okay?"
Jeromy hesitated for a moment before smiling slightly.
Jeromy: "I'm fine. Just... a lot on my mind."
Jeromy turned to Tim and Rei.
Jeromy: "You two are the universe's best shot now. Train hard. Get even stronger."
Tim nodded, his expression serious.
Tim: "We will."
Jeromy then glanced at Sheila.
Jeromy (smirking): "...You better not let the Resistance fall apart without me."
Sheila rolled her eyes but smirked back.
Sheila: "Tch. You think I need you for that?"
Jeromy chuckled. Then, with one final nod, he turned and left the base, heading back to the squad.
As the door closed behind him, a heavy silence filled the air.
_ _ _
Tim and Rei's days were a blur of relentless training and focused discipline, and their nights a fragile, stolen escape from the looming shadow of war.
Each night, when the base quieted down and the others fell asleep, they would find themselves in that shared bed, a space that had become both a sanctuary and a reminder of their uncertain future.
Their moments together were intense - not just physically but emotionally.
They clung to each other, whispering promises they weren't sure they could keep, letting their feelings surface without restraint.
Tim would run his fingers through Rei's dark hair, holding her close as if afraid she might slip away. Rei, usually composed and guarded, would let her walls fall, resting her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat as though memorizing the sound.
Each night felt like a countdown - not to victory, but to something unknown. It wasn't desperation that fueled them, but an unyielding desire to leave nothing unsaid.
Every morning, as the sun peeked through the cracks of the base, they'd wake up tangled together, Tim's arm draped protectively over Rei. They had perfected the art of slipping apart just in time before anyone noticed - though Darren and Marie's sly smiles sometimes made them wonder if they truly had gone unnoticed.
During the day, they trained harder than ever, fueled by both fear and hope. Heatsun and Moonsalt pushed their Celestic Resonance techniques, helping them synchronize their Celestic energy to sharpen their Celestic Blast.
Jim, still recovering but stubbornly helpful, shared his own experiences about blending Solar and Lunar powers, offering advice on how to create a seamless attack without losing balance.
Sheila, fierce and relentless, drilled them on their combat instincts, testing their teamwork and reaction time. "You two fight like you're part of the same soul," she once remarked, a rare smile tugging at her lips. "But don't let emotions cloud your focus - if you want to survive, love has to be your strength, not your weakness."
The fifth day ended like all the others - Tim and Rei exhausted, sore, but closer than ever. Their Celestic Blast was stronger now, more refined, and they could feel the resonance between them growing. But there was still the question gnawing at their hearts - when would Dark Void strike?
After almost 2 weeks...
In the heart of Dark Void's fortress, a swirling mass of shadows pulsed with raw, untamed energy. The room trembled as a deep, guttural growl echoed through the dark chamber. It was the awakening of Goblin the Terrible, Dark Void's most feared and powerful chief commander.
Dark Void had been taking a long slumber after defeat of Blooma to freshen up his mind. After finally waking up, he came up with a fresh plan.
Thick chains, glowing with infernal energy, shattered as a monstrous figure emerged from the swirling darkness.
Goblin was a towering, demonic entity, standing over ten feet tall, his skin an eerie shade of crimson, pulsating as though it were alive.
His eyes burned with an unnatural glow and jagged horns protruded from his skull like a crown of destruction. His wings, leathery and massive, stretched out, casting an ominous shadow across the chamber.
Dark Void stood before him, arms crossed, watching with a calm, knowing gaze. Unlike Blooma, who had been cunning and cruel, Goblin was brutality incarnate-a beast of war, a force of nature that sought only destruction in the name of "perfection."
Goblin let out a deep, menacing laugh as he cracked his clawed fingers, flexing his immense power.
"You have finally awakened me, my lord," his voice rumbled, each word laced with a primal hunger.
"I assume it is because one of your pawns has failed."
Dark Void smirked, his eyes glinting in the dim chamber. "Indeed. Blooma underestimated them. She let her arrogance lead to her destruction. But you, Goblin... you are different. You are the embodiment of terror, the blade that will cut away all imperfection."
Goblin's lips curled into a sinister grin. "And I assume... you still hold the vision of a perfect universe?"
Dark Void nodded. "A universe cleansed of weakness, of impurity. And you, my dear Goblin, will ensure that vision is realized."
Goblin let out a guttural chuckle, his demonic aura intensifying. "Of course. You are the only perfect being in existence. The rest... are nothing more than stains that must be erased."
Dark Void raised a hand, and in an instant, the chamber's walls shimmered, revealing projected images of Tim, Rei, Jim, and others. "These are the ones who dare to defy our perfect order. They are your prey, Goblin."
Goblin's eyes narrowed as he studied the warriors. His gaze lingered on Tim and Rei. "Ah... so these two are the ones who slew Blooma. Interesting." His grin widened, revealing razor-sharp teeth. "I will enjoy breaking them."
Dark Void's expression remained unreadable. "Do not underestimate them. They have grown stronger. They are an anomaly-one that must be erased."
Goblin cracked his knuckles, his wings flaring wide. "Then let us not waste time. I will show them true terror. And when their hope is extinguished, when their screams fill the void... the perfect universe will be one step closer."
As Goblin studied the projected images, his grin slowly faded.
His glowing eyes fixated on a particular sight-the Resistance.
He saw Sheila, Aron, and countless warriors who had defied Dark Void's rule for years.
A low growl escaped Goblin's throat. His demonic aura flared, distorting the air around him.
"I see you have allowed this filth to persist for far too long, Dark Void."
His voice carried a deep-seated hatred, one that had festered for ages.
Dark Void's expression remained unreadable, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes.
"Ah, so you still hold a personal grudge against the Resistance. I had assumed your hatred would have dulled after all this time."
Goblin clenched his fists, his razor-sharp claws digging into his palms, causing dark energy to seep from his skin. "How could I forget? They are the greatest stain upon your vision! They have fought against your perfection for decades, delaying the inevitable."
His wings flared violently as he took a step forward. "You may have awakened me to deal with those Celestic warriors, but my first target will be the Resistance."
Dark Void allowed a small smirk. "So you would eliminate them first? Interesting. Do as you please, Goblin. Their destruction is inevitable."
Goblin's sinister grin returned. "Then let me start by crushing their hope. I will wipe out the Resistance in its entirety. Their little underground base... their commander... all of them will be erased."
With that, the monstrous commander turned away, his massive form disappearing into a dark vortex.
_ _ _
As the tension in the air thickened, everyone remained stationed in their respective locations-Jeromy tirelessly training the Celestic Justice squad elsewhere, while the Resistance operated from its underground base beneath Dr. Aron's medical center.
Meanwhile, at Heatsun's base, Tim, Rei, Jim, Heatsun, Moonsalt, Henry, Marie, Aron, and Sheila remained gathered, preparing for the inevitable confrontation ahead.
Suddenly, Tim's body stiffened. His sharpened senses, strengthened through the training, picked up something sinister-an overwhelming wave of malice creeping toward them like an unseen predator. His Solar energy flared slightly in response, his heartbeat accelerating.
Without hesitation, Tim stood up. "Something's coming," he muttered, his voice low but urgent. He quickly donned his gear, grabbing his Solar Saber.
Rei, sitting nearby, felt it too-a deep, chilling force washing over her Lunar energy. It wasn't just an enemy approaching.
It was something beyond reason, something warped, something ancient. Her instincts screamed at her to act. But before she followed Tim, she turned to Dr. Aron.
"Give me a moment," Rei said firmly, stepping toward him. Aron arched an eyebrow, sensing the urgency behind her words.
"What's wrong?" he asked, lowering his voice so the others wouldn't hear.
"Check something for me. But don't tell anyone," she said, her expression unreadable.
Aron studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. But make it quick."
Rei followed him in the medical ward of the base. The door shut behind them, and for five minutes, she remained inside.
Aron performed the checkup without questioning her reasons. When he finished, Rei exhaled, nodding at him in silent agreement.
"I'll be going now," she said.
Aron folded his arms. "Just be careful, Rei. Whatever this thing is, it's dangerous."
She gave him a small smirk, though it lacked her usual sharpness. "Aren't they all?"
Though after she went, Aron sighed. "I hope they both survive this. Or else..."
Ten minutes after Tim had left, Rei stepped out of the medical bay, her Lunar Hatchets at her side. She locked onto the same sinister force Tim had sensed earlier, its presence steadily approaching.
Without another word, she bolted in the direction Tim had gone.
Meanwhile, Jim-fully healed and feeling antsy about what was coming-stood up from his seat, his expression determined.
"I need to go," he declared.
Moonsalt frowned. "Where?"
"To the Celestic Justice Headquarters. I need to bring Edward and the squad here. If something big is coming, we'll need everyone at full strength."
Heatsun hesitated for a moment but then gave his son a firm nod. "Go. But be fast."
Jim wasted no time. He dashed toward the nearest spaceship stationed at the base and launched it into the sky, heading toward the Celestic Justice's training grounds at full speed.
As hours passed, an ominous shift took place in the darkness.
Goblin stood before the Medical Center, his dark, towering figure exuding a menacing aura.
His glowing eyes scanned the area as he declared, "Imperfections have no place in my perfect universe." A sinister energy pulsed from his body, shaking the underground base as he raised a clawed hand, sending out waves of destruction.
The Resistance members inside panicked as explosions rocked the facility.
They were forced to come out of the base and head outside the Medical Center due to the urgency of the situation.
Everyone's jaws dropped as they found out the source of the tremors.
Many of them froze in terror, most of the senior members hugged themselves as if traumatized. Some of them tried to fight back, but their weapons barely scratched Goblin's demonic skin. "Resistance is futile," he growled, walking forward without hesitation.
Far away, Jim had just landed at the Celestic Justice training ground when an emergency SOS alert flashed across all communication channels.
The Resistance was under attack. Jim wasted no time. "Edward, Jeromy, everyone-we have to move, now!" he commanded.
Edward nodded, rallying the Celestic Justice squad. Jeromy clenched his fists, his past memories flooding back.
He remembered the last time Goblin attacked-the sheer destruction, the screams, and how he and Sheila barely made it out alive. "This time, we end this," he muttered.
Within minutes, Jim, Edward, Jeromy, and the Celestic Justice squad boarded their fastest ships, speeding toward the Resistance base.
Sheila had been strategizing at Heatsun's base when she got the alert. Her heart dropped. Goblin. The name alone sent chills down her spine. Without hesitation, she bolted out of the base, summoning her fastest transport.
It would take two hours for her to reach the Medical Center, but she refused to let history repeat itself.
By the time Jim and his forces arrived, Goblin had already breached the Medical Center. Fire and debris filled the air.
Jim, now fully healed, stepped forward as the Grey Warrior, his aura radiating a perfect blend of Solar and Lunar energy.
He gripped his Solun Lance, his eyes burning with determination. "You won't take another step."
Goblin turned, his monstrous face twisting into a grin. "Another imperfection who dares to challenge me?" He raised a hand, summoning dark, clawed tendrils from the shadows.
The battle erupted.
Jim, Edward, and Jeromy led the charge, with the Celestic Justice squad following behind. Goblin was relentless, his power nearly overwhelming, but Jim had trained for this. Every attack Goblin threw was countered with precision.
Edward struck with his Celestial Spear, forcing Goblin back momentarily. Jeromy used his plasma whip, cutting through the dark tendrils.
The Celestic Justice squad coordinated their attacks, fighting with newfound strength while the Resistance members there were getting slightly inspired by them.
Despite their efforts, Goblin was barely slowing down.
His demonic regeneration kept him standing, and his overwhelming brute force made every direct hit devastating.
The ground cracked under his might. "Foolish warriors. You are nothing before me!"
Dark Void raised a hand, and in an instant, the chamber's walls shimmered, revealing projected images of Tim, Rei, Jim, and others. "These are the ones who dare to defy our perfect order. They are your prey, Goblin."
Goblin's eyes narrowed as he studied the warriors. His gaze lingered on Tim and Rei. "Ah... so these two are the ones who slew Blooma. Interesting." His grin widened, revealing razor-sharp teeth. "I will enjoy breaking them."
Dark Void's expression remained unreadable. "Do not underestimate them. They have grown stronger. They are an anomaly-one that must be erased."
Goblin cracked his knuckles, his wings flaring wide. "Then let us not waste time. I will show them true terror. And when their hope is extinguished, when their screams fill the void... the perfect universe will be one step closer."
As Goblin studied the projected images, his grin slowly faded.
His glowing eyes fixated on a particular sight-the Resistance.
He saw Sheila, Aron, and countless warriors who had defied Dark Void's rule for years.
A low growl escaped Goblin's throat. His demonic aura flared, distorting the air around him.
"I see you have allowed this filth to persist for far too long, Dark Void."
His voice carried a deep-seated hatred, one that had festered for ages.
Dark Void's expression remained unreadable, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes.
"Ah, so you still hold a personal grudge against the Resistance. I had assumed your hatred would have dulled after all this time."
Goblin clenched his fists, his razor-sharp claws digging into his palms, causing dark energy to seep from his skin. "How could I forget? They are the greatest stain upon your vision! They have fought against your perfection for decades, delaying the inevitable."
His wings flared violently as he took a step forward. "You may have awakened me to deal with those Celestic warriors, but my first target will be the Resistance."
Dark Void allowed a small smirk. "So you would eliminate them first? Interesting. Do as you please, Goblin. Their destruction is inevitable."
Goblin's sinister grin returned. "Then let me start by crushing their hope. I will wipe out the Resistance in its entirety. Their little underground base... their commander... all of them will be erased."
With that, the monstrous commander turned away, his massive form disappearing into a dark vortex.
_ _ _
As the tension in the air thickened, everyone remained stationed in their respective locations-Jeromy tirelessly training the Celestic Justice squad elsewhere, while the Resistance operated from its underground base beneath Dr. Aron's medical center.
Meanwhile, at Heatsun's base, Tim, Rei, Jim, Heatsun, Moonsalt, Henry, Marie, Aron, and Sheila remained gathered, preparing for the inevitable confrontation ahead.
Suddenly, Tim's body stiffened. His sharpened senses, strengthened through the training, picked up something sinister-an overwhelming wave of malice creeping toward them like an unseen predator. His Solar energy flared slightly in response, his heartbeat accelerating.
Without hesitation, Tim stood up. "Something's coming," he muttered, his voice low but urgent. He quickly donned his gear, grabbing his Solar Saber.
Rei, sitting nearby, felt it too-a deep, chilling force washing over her Lunar energy. It wasn't just an enemy approaching.
It was something beyond reason, something warped, something ancient. Her instincts screamed at her to act. But before she followed Tim, she turned to Dr. Aron.
"Give me a moment," Rei said firmly, stepping toward him. Aron arched an eyebrow, sensing the urgency behind her words.
"What's wrong?" he asked, lowering his voice so the others wouldn't hear.
"Check something for me. But don't tell anyone," she said, her expression unreadable.
Aron studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. But make it quick."
Rei followed him in the medical ward of the base. The door shut behind them, and for five minutes, she remained inside.
Aron performed the checkup without questioning her reasons. When he finished, Rei exhaled, nodding at him in silent agreement.
"I'll be going now," she said.
Aron folded his arms. "Just be careful, Rei. Whatever this thing is, it's dangerous."
She gave him a small smirk, though it lacked her usual sharpness. "Aren't they all?"
Though after she went, Aron sighed. "I hope they both survive this. Or else..."
Ten minutes after Tim had left, Rei stepped out of the medical bay, her Lunar Hatchets at her side. She locked onto the same sinister force Tim had sensed earlier, its presence steadily approaching.
Without another word, she bolted in the direction Tim had gone.
Meanwhile, Jim-fully healed and feeling antsy about what was coming-stood up from his seat, his expression determined.
"I need to go," he declared.
Moonsalt frowned. "Where?"
"To the Celestic Justice Headquarters. I need to bring Edward and the squad here. If something big is coming, we'll need everyone at full strength."
Heatsun hesitated for a moment but then gave his son a firm nod. "Go. But be fast."
Jim wasted no time. He dashed toward the nearest spaceship stationed at the base and launched it into the sky, heading toward the Celestic Justice's training grounds at full speed.
As hours passed, an ominous shift took place in the darkness.
Goblin stood before the Medical Center, his dark, towering figure exuding a menacing aura.
His glowing eyes scanned the area as he declared, "Imperfections have no place in my perfect universe." A sinister energy pulsed from his body, shaking the underground base as he raised a clawed hand, sending out waves of destruction.
The Resistance members inside panicked as explosions rocked the facility.
They were forced to come out of the base and head outside the Medical Center due to the urgency of the situation.
Everyone's jaws dropped as they found out the source of the tremors.
Many of them froze in terror, most of the senior members hugged themselves as if traumatized. Some of them tried to fight back, but their weapons barely scratched Goblin's demonic skin. "Resistance is futile," he growled, walking forward without hesitation.
Far away, Jim had just landed at the Celestic Justice training ground when an emergency SOS alert flashed across all communication channels.
The Resistance was under attack. Jim wasted no time. "Edward, Jeromy, everyone-we have to move, now!" he commanded.
Edward nodded, rallying the Celestic Justice squad. Jeromy clenched his fists, his past memories flooding back.
He remembered the last time Goblin attacked-the sheer destruction, the screams, and how he and Sheila barely made it out alive. "This time, we end this," he muttered.
Within minutes, Jim, Edward, Jeromy, and the Celestic Justice squad boarded their fastest ships, speeding toward the Resistance base.
Sheila had been strategizing at Heatsun's base when she got the alert. Her heart dropped. Goblin. The name alone sent chills down her spine. Without hesitation, she bolted out of the base, summoning her fastest transport.
It would take two hours for her to reach the Medical Center, but she refused to let history repeat itself.
By the time Jim and his forces arrived, Goblin had already breached the Medical Center. Fire and debris filled the air.
Jim, now fully healed, stepped forward as the Grey Warrior, his aura radiating a perfect blend of Solar and Lunar energy.
He gripped his Solun Lance, his eyes burning with determination. "You won't take another step."
Goblin turned, his monstrous face twisting into a grin. "Another imperfection who dares to challenge me?" He raised a hand, summoning dark, clawed tendrils from the shadows.
The battle erupted.
Jim, Edward, and Jeromy led the charge, with the Celestic Justice squad following behind. Goblin was relentless, his power nearly overwhelming, but Jim had trained for this. Every attack Goblin threw was countered with precision.
Edward struck with his Celestial Spear, forcing Goblin back momentarily. Jeromy used his plasma whip, cutting through the dark tendrils.
The Celestic Justice squad coordinated their attacks, fighting with newfound strength while the Resistance members there were getting slightly inspired by them.
Despite their efforts, Goblin was barely slowing down.
His demonic regeneration kept him standing, and his overwhelming brute force made every direct hit devastating.
The ground cracked under his might. "Foolish warriors. You are nothing before me!"