Zataria's Last Light-Chapter 56: Fighting Off the Minus Ones

As Zodiac and Daru harnessed their light powers, the focus shifted back to Zodiac’s team, leaving Sai and Mako in a state of disbelief.

Mako: This power is unbelievable!

Sai: That’s the same power from the Event!

Zodiac turned to face Sai and Mako.

Zodiac: I will take it from here.

Sai: What!?

At that moment, Mako noticed a Minus One clone in the air, heading directly for Zodiac.

Mako: Zodiac, behind you!

Just as the clone was about to strike, Zodiac vanished, causing the clone to punch the ground instead. Confused, it began searching for Zodiac.

Minus One Clone: TRRROOOO!?

Zodiac: Over here.

The clone turned around just as Zodiac decapitated it with his light scythe, sending the clone crashing to the ground.

Mako: Incredible! He’s so fast now.

Zodiac observed as the clone on the ground started to regenerate its head and rise back to its feet.

Zodiac: It simply doesn’t know when to quit.

The clone emitted a loud yell, alerting two additional clones to join the fray.

Minus One Clones 2 & 3: TRRROOOO!

Sai: (Annoyed) Ugh, there are more of them. Now we have to step in and help you.

Zodiac: Just stay back and watch. I don’t need help.

Mako: But you’re outnumbered—

Zodiac: Shut... up and watch.

Zodiac confronted the three clones as they charged towards him. They swung their claws, but he dodged effortlessly, evading any strikes. The two clones launched a simultaneous claw attack, prompting Zodiac to employ Sudoshi, appearing behind them. He then transformed his weapon into a light greatsword and drove it into the ground, creating a shockwave that sent all the clones flying into the air. Changing his weapon once more, this time into a light bow, he shot each of them in the head, causing them to crash to the ground. Sai and Mako were astonished by Zodiac’s weapon transformations.

Sai: He can morph his weapons into anything! What kind of power does he possess?

Mako: I have no idea. That Daru kid has the same power as Zodiac, but with different abilities. I wonder what their power is called.

The three clones began to regenerate, healing the wounds on their foreheads and quickly regaining their footing.

Zodiac: (Speaking to himself) Something isn’t right. Any fatal hits I land on them don’t seem to work. It’s as if they’re immortal.

One of the clones employs Sudoshi and gets right in Zodiac’s face, launching a swift claw attack as Zodiac raises both arms to defend. He is struck, staggering back a few feet toward Sai and Mako.

Zodiac: Great, now one of them knows my technique.

Sai: Maybe if we worked together, that wouldn’t have happened.

Zodiac: Yeah, just like that clone used your move and knocked you to the ground.

Sai: There was nothing I could have done to prevent that!

Zodiac: The same applies to me, genius.

As they argue, one of the clones uses Sai’s technique to phase toward him while Zodiac remains stationary. The clone slashes at Sai, who phases through it and counters with a cut to the clone’s chest using his daggers. Mako rushes in to assist Sai, swinging his sword at the clone. The clone dodges and catches Mako’s sword with its hand.

Mako: What the!?

The clone retaliates with its other hand to slash at Mako, but Sai punches it away, sending it back. Sai turns to Zodiac, visibly frustrated.

Sai: Why are you just standing there? Why aren’t you helping?

Zodiac: What, am I supposed to?

Sai: What do you mean "am I supposed to"? We are working together here, so contribute!

Zodiac: You’re rank 2, correct? You shouldn’t need my help.

Sai: (Angry) You know what? I’m going to beat the crap out of you after this!

Zodiac: Okay...

As Sai steps closer to Zodiac, the three clones begin to scream as more Minus One clones appear, increasing their numbers to ten.

Mako: There are more of them! This is not good!

Sai: You must be joking. We can’t even handle one, and now there are more!

As the ten clones charge toward them, multiple small spheres fall from the sky, landing in front of Zodiac, Sai, and Mako, releasing thick smoke that obscures the clones’ vision.

Mako: (Coughing) W-who just did that!?

Koda: I have come to aid you, my friends!

As some of the smoke clears, Koda and his crewmates become visible. Zodiac shakes his head.

Zodiac: Perfect, just what I needed to improve my day. (Sarcastically)

Sai: You’re from the Newbie Event.

Koda smiles at Zodiac.

Koda: It has been some time, Zodiac. When I observed that light in the sky, I knew it was you.

Zodiac: What brings you here?

Koda: I am here for my rematch, of course!

Mako: At a time like this?

Koda laughs.

Koda: I am just joking. I came to assess the situation here, and it appears you have company.

Zodiac: Clearly. This creature seems unable to die.

Koda: So, you have been struggling against the clones as well.

Sai: Yes. Nothing we attempt seems effective.

Mako: We haven’t even managed to defeat a single one yet.

Koda: (Looking at Zodiac) Have you thought of a plan to beat them?

Zodiac: If we cannot defeat the clones, we must locate the real one and neutralize it.

As the smoke dissipates, the clones notice them and all scream.

Minus One Clones: TRRROOOO!

Koda: Looks like they want to fight.

Sai: What is the plan?

Zodiac: (Morphing his weapon back into a light scythe) We will take them down until we identify the real one.

As Koda joins the fight alongside Zodiac, Sai, and Mako, the scene shifts to Himitsu’s team, who are rescuing civilians and escorting them to safety.

Junko: Excellent! That should be the last of them in this area.

Himitsu: Great. Now we can—

Yoshi: Just hold on. There’s one more place we need to check.

Himitsu: I could have sworn that was the last of them. Where else have we not checked?

Yoshi pulls out his watch and examines the map.

We need to proceed to this street to ensure no one is left behind. (Edwell Street)

Junko: Let’s move quickly to see if anyone is still around!

They make their way to the street, navigating through chaos as other teams and security personnel combat the Minus Ones.

Himitsu: There are so many of them now!

Junko: That creature is duplicating itself at an alarming rate. We must act quickly to assist the others before the situation escalates!

After a few minutes, they arrive at the street and search for additional civilians.

Himitsu: I don’t see anyone else here.

Yoshi: Over there! (Points).

Yoshi indicates a tall building where a girl is standing on the roof near the edge.

Himitsu: What in the world!?

Junko: There is a girl up there!?

The girl begins to step back toward the edge as a Minus One clone bangs on the roof door.

Girl: S-stay away!

Himitsu shouts at the girl.

Himitsu: Hey! Get down from there! You’re going to hurt yourself!

Girl: I can’t! There’s a monster trying to kill me!

Himitsu struggles to hear her clearly.

Himitsu: What!?

Junko: Could you please speak a bit louder?

Girl: T-there’s a monster trying to kill me!

Himitsu: Huh!? Can you say that one more time!?

Yoshi: Oh my gosh, can you speak louder!?

Suddenly, the door to the roof bursts open as a clone lunges toward the girl.

Girl: AHHHH! GET AWAY FROM ME!

The girl steps off the edge of the building and begins to fall.

Himitsu: She’s falling!

Junko: Yoshi, save her!

Yoshi: I won’t make it in time!

As the girl plummets, a small fairy flies toward her. The fairy enlarges, revealing itself to be Kora, who catches the girl just in time. Kora gently descends, placing the girl safely on the ground. Yoshi, Junko, and Himitsu are astonished to see Kora.

Himitsu: (In awe) It’s... It’s... KORA!

Girl: Thank you so much for saving me!

Kora: You’re welcome!

Himitsu and the others rush to Kora and the girl, and Kora notices Himitsu.

Kora: Wait, is that you!?

Himitsu: Y-y-y-yes, it is! You remember me from the Event, right!?

Kora shakes her head.

Kora: Ugh, not you again.

As Kora sees Himitsu, the scene shifts back to Daru, Souta, and the others.

Daru: RAHHHHHH!!

Daru punches one of the clones in the chest, grabs its head with both hands, and splits it in two.

Daru: Recover from that, asshole.

Reiji: SOUTA!!

Souta: Stop yelling, I’m on my way!!

Souta leaps into the air, using her legs to jump onto Reiji’s back just as he throws the clone upward. She spins and delivers a powerful kick to the clone’s chest, sending it crashing to the ground and creating an explosion.

Souta: Are you happy?

Reiji: You’re so cool, Souta.

Daru: Are you guys done?

Reiji and Souta turn to see Daru, whose veins and hair are glowing bright purple.

Reiji: Whoa... Daru? Y-your power is insane!

Souta: (to herself) He looks so hot like that!

Daru: (chuckles) Thanks! It’s my first time using it in a real fight. I can control it, but I still have much to learn.

Reiji: Well, I think it looks cool!

Souta: Regardless, it’s fine. (to herself) The purple in his veins is so sexy!!

As they converse, Daru hears the clones regenerating once again.

Daru: This is never going to end, is it?

He turns to see the clone getting back up and creating two more copies of itself.

Daru: GREAT! JUST GREAT! IT MADE MORE CLONES!!

Reiji: This fight is never-ending.

Souta: What should we do? If we continue eliminating the clones, they just keep reappearing and generating more.

Daru: Well, I suppose it’s time for round four!

Reiji & Souta: Ahhhh!!

As Daru, Reiji, and Souta prepare to confront the clones, the scene shifts back to Ohma and Gram, where a clone is attempting to attack Gram.

Gram: AHHH!! Get away!!

He looks up to see Ohma descending, swinging his nunchucks and decisively smashing the clone’s head off.

Gram: (sighs) Thank you, Ohma... you didn’t have to do that; I had it under control.

Ohma: No, you didn’t, Gram.

Gram: Uhhh! Yes, I did. Everyone believes I can’t fight, but I can. I’m the one who won the Newbie Event; did you?

Ohma: No, I wasn’t on your team then.

Gram: Exactly!

Ohma shakes his head as the defeated clone begins to rise again, regenerating its head.

Gram: AWW MAN!! What are we going to do? They keep getting back up.

Ohma: We fight, and we don’t stop until they do!

Gram: Ohma, WE CAN’T WIN IF THEY KEEP COMING BACK!!

Ohma: Then I’ll kill them again every time they return.

Gram: We’re doomed. We are so doomed.

The clone generates two more copies of itself as it rushes toward Ohma.

Gram: OHMA!! THEY’RE COMING!!!

Minus One 1: TROOOO!!

Minus One 2: TROOOO!!

Minus One 3: TROOO!!

Ohma: (closes his eyes and sighs) First Auto.

As Ohma speaks, his nunchucks begin to glow a bright gold. When he opens his eyes, they are golden.

Ohma: (in a serious tone) Now you will perish by my blade, demon...

Gram: What the—

Ohma charges at the clones as they swing their hands, attempting to slice him in half. He deflects the attacks from all three clones, then throws one of his nunchucks into the air. He punches one clone in the face, causing it to explode into mush. Ohma leaps up, catching the other nunchuck. He wraps it around the second clone’s neck and pulls, decapitating it.

Gram: What the hell is this? Ohma just changed; it’s like he’s a different person now.

The remaining clone attempts to strike Ohma just as they all hear a loud call.

Minus One: TRRRRRROOOOOOOO!!!

Ohma: Huh?

Gram: What was that?

The clone turns around, noticing the real Minus One.

Gram: Is that another clone?

Ohma: No, I believe that’s the real one.

Gram: Oh crap! We’re going to die for real.

The clone retreats from Ohma, creating distance.

Gram: Wait, it’s backing away?

Real Minus One: TROOO!! TROOO!!

The real Minus One emits a peculiar sound.

Ohma: What is it doing?

Gram: I’m not sure; it sounds like it’s choking on something.

The real Minus One expels a small child, revealing only the upper body.

Real Minus One: TROOO!!

The real Minus One smiles at Ohma, provoking intense anger in him.

Gram: OH MY GOD!! IT JUST SPAT OUT THE BODY OF A LITTLE GIRL!

Ohma: I-I-IT KILLED HER!!!

Gram: O-Ohma?

Ohma: THIS CREATURE THINKS IT’S FUNNY!! IT’S SMILING AS IF IT KNOWS THIS WOULD PISS ME OFF!! WHAT IS THIS THING!? IT HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN!!

Real Minus One: D-D-D

Gram: Did you hear that!?!

Ohma: No, that’s impossible!

Real Minus One: Delicious.

Gram: I-It spoke...? (Laughs).

Gram collapses to the ground, fainting.

Ohma: (Furious) You... you... YOU BASTARD!!!!

Ohma charges toward the Real Minus One as it lunges at him.

Real Minus One: KILL!! KILL!! KILL!!

Ohma: AHHHHH!!!

Ohma and Minus One engage in a fierce battle, swinging their weapons and kicking up dust. Minus One lands a blow on Ohma’s face, causing his head to snap back.

Ohma: UHHH!!

Real Minus One: KILL!! KILL!!

Ohma regains his composure, leaning his head back toward Minus One.

Ohma: Ahhhh!!

Ohma delivers a headbutt to Minus One, staggering it momentarily. He then attacks with his nunchucks, causing Minus One to bleed.

Ohma: YOU WANT TO KILL INNOCENT PEOPLE!?!

Minus One attempts to strike Ohma with its claw, but Ohma swiftly disarms it, chopping off its hand with his nunchucks.

Real Minus One: (In pain) TROOO!!

Ohma: YOU WANT TO KILL LITTLE KIDS!?!?

Minus One tries to strike Ohma with its remaining arm, but Ohma quickly removes that limb as well.

Real Minus One: (In pain) TROOO!!!

Ohma: YOU THINK IT’S FUN KILLING PEOPLE!!!

Ohma swings his nunchucks at Minus One’s legs, severing them. Minus One collapses to the ground, bleeding profusely.

Real Minus One: (In pain) TROOO!!

Ohma: YOU’RE A PATHETIC DEMON!!

Real Minus One: (In pain) TROOO!!

Ohma: NOW DIE, DEMON!!!

Real Minus One: TROOO!!!?...

Minus One begins to chuckle.

Ohma: W-what?

Gram: (Wakes up) What the hell! It’s laughing now?!?

Real Minus One: Pathetic, you say? I disagree.

Ohma realizes he cannot move.

Ohma: I-I can’t move.

Real Minus One: Ohh, you can’t move, can you?

Minus One regenerates its hands and legs, looming over Ohma, who looks up in horror.

Real Minus One: Now tell me... Who is the pathetic one now?

Gram: OHMA, GET OUT OF THERE!

Minus One kicks Ohma, sending him flying into a building.

Gram: NO, OHMA!!!

Minus One turns its attention to Gram.

Gram: Uhhh!

Real Minus One: Now tell me you’re stronger than that fool.

Gram: H-how can you TALK?!

Real Minus One: Good question. There’s a lot I can do, and it’s quite impressive. And I know the reason I was created. Ask me why.

Gram: (Gulps) W-why?

Real Minus One: I was created to take over this city with my clones (laughs).

Gram: Y-you’re insane.

Real Minus One: No, not insane; I’m brilliant! However, before I can take this city, I have to kill every last one of you.

Gram: WELL, YOU CAN’T!

Real Minus One: Hmmm... and why is that, human?

Gram: Because we have Daru and Zodiac!

Real Minus One: Daru and Zodiac... who might those be?

Ohma: (Out of breath) They are the ones who will defeat you!

Minus One turns around, seeing Ohma panting and holding his nunchucks.

Gram: OHMA!! YOU’RE ALIVE!

Real Minus One: I suppose you’re tougher than I anticipated.

Ohma: It’s going to take a lot more than that to take me down.

Real Minus One: Good! I didn’t want it to end so early.

Ohma extends his nunchucks and begins to spin them.

Ohma: Come on, you coward!

Real Minus One: MY NAME IS MINUS ONE!!

Minus One charges at Ohma, who cannot react in time to block the hit.

Gram: No.

Real Minus One: (About to grab Ohma’s face) Too slow.

Minus One slams Ohma into the ground, and Gram watches blood spray into the sky.

Gram: OHMA!! NO!!

Gram pulls out his book and begins casting fireballs, hurling them at Minus One.

Gram: SCREW YOU!!! DIE!!

Real Minus One: (Sighs) Stupid humans.

Gram: GET AWAY FROM HIM!!

Real Minus One rises and swings at Gram.

Gram: Ahhh!

Ohma jumps in front of Gram, blocking the attack, blood splattering on his face.

Ohma: (Blocking the claw) HHHHH! I won’t let you hurt anyone else!

Real Minus One: (Laughs) You really don’t know when to surrender, do you?

Ohma: I suppose not!

Minus One swings with his other hand, slicing Ohma’s abdomen.

Ohma: AH!

Minus One slashes Ohma’s legs, arms, and chest.

Real Minus One: YOU’D SACRIFICE YOUR LIFE FOR ANOTHER HUMAN BEING?!?

Ohma: (Barely able to stand) I’m not letting you kill any more people.

Real Minus One: I’m going to kill every human in this city, and you will watch.

Minus One seizes Ohma by the neck. As Gram charges at Minus One, he is kicked to the ground.

Gram: AHH!

Real Minus One: Now watch your friend die.

Ohma: (Attempting to strike him) I-I-I won’t allow you to kill anyone else, you monster...

Real Minus One: I TOLD YOU, MY NAME IS MINUS ONE!!

Minus One throws Ohma to the ground, and he slides across the floor.

Real Minus One: You’re too weak.

Ohma struggles to rise.

Real Minus One: Ahh!! JUST STAY DOWN!

Ohma: I-I-I won’t let you harm any more people.

Real Minus One: I’VE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS!!

Just as Minus One was about to act, he looked up and saw a purple and white light approaching.

Real Minus One: What is that?

It was Gram, pressing the button on his watch to contact his crew.

Gram: So it actually works.

Gram then collapses, and Ohma drops to his knees.

Ohma: (Smiling) Zodiac and Daru.

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