Mario Judah

Just another heist, per usual. Lavender stood within the high pole, glaring onto the massive fortress. He took a deep breath and covered his face with black clothing, leaving only his eyes exposed. He entered the first layer of security and looked all over the place. It was quiet, too quiet. He continued onwards, searching for a specific metallic gate. He looked at his phone, with the pictures of him and his two brothers at the wallpaper. Their clothes were ragged, yet they looked happy. He swiped up and used his retina. The phone was opened and he looked at the pictures once more. The door had a massive gear pattern right in the middle.

He searched all over the facility whilst sneaking within the bushes. Some guards almost noticed him, though he barely got away with his quick legs. He along with his two brothers were wolves, though they stood with two legs. They were exiled since childhood and this was the only way Lavender knew. He had to do it, it was a job he mastered. He continued passing through every guard. Upon passing a tent, he could see piles of gold. He was tempted, yet he knew time was ticking. He spat purplish liquids onto his arms and went in. Within just a blink of an eye, three guards’ throats were slit. He grabbed the gold and packed it within his pants.

He exited the tents and more guards were gathering round. “Did I leave a trail ?” Lavender asked himself. Lavender immediately continued onward, though he was a little louder. The pack of gold coins dances within his pants, clanking onto each other. After minutes of sneaking through, he stood beyond it. He looked at his phone once more, it was the same exact door. Five guards guarded that gate, fully armored with spears and shields on their arms.

Behind the trees, there were pebbles. “Only one chance,” he thought to himself. He grabbed a pebble and threw it onto their far right. Two of the men left the gate, leaving two of them. However, they changed their stances. Lavender sighed and let out a slight grin. “Well, toughen up, legs,” he looked down and thought to himself. He charged ahead and immediately took two of them down and broke through the gate. The soldiers immediately turned their backs and ran towards Lavender. Two immediately went for the chase and one ran towards the brazier. She aggressively climbed the stairs and lit the braziers, notifying every soldier.

Upon entering, Lavender immediately turned back and pointed his palms against the two men. Those liquid fire through his claws and stabbed through them. They bled and their legs were paralyzed. “Had to keep going!” He thought to himself. He turned his head back front and ran as fast as he could. In front of him, eight soldiers stood tall. They were no normal soldiers, their eyes were lit red and they each held different weapons.

Lavender gritted his teeth and continued running ahead. The swordsman and javelin wielded charges first. Lavender dodged and slit off their heads. Two were down, and the four around him began their attacks. Assault rifle, Pistol, Greatsword, and Tonfas. Both marksmen shot at Lavender, though none hit. Before the remaining two could raise their weapons, Lavender already tore off their heads. He turned back and charged towards the marksmen. He cut off their weapons and stabbed his claws onto their heads. The soldier angrily swung his greatsword all over the place and Lavender yawned. He ducked down and gently tapped her wrist, causing the greatsword to be thrown aback onto her. Half of her body was cut off.

He swung his tonfas all over the place and tried to calm himself down. Lavender just turned his back away from him and continued running ahead. Looking down within the floor, he realized something. “It was junk of scraps,” he thought to himself. His poison did not work, as they were not made from flesh and blood. He checked the clock on his phone and ran faster. There were scientists ahead, each wielding a blaster. They took their shots though none hit. Lavender sliced off their blasters and continued running ahead.

-

Finally, he stood right in front of it. After searching for seemingly ages, he stood behind the door. He panted and wiped the sweats off his chin. He slowly walked towards the door and grabbed an ID card he snatched from the scientists he brushed off. He tapped the ID card and the automated voice said “Welcome back, Ms. Ultear.” Lavender walked inside, surrounded by red blaring light. In the middle, there it was. An orange orb, glimmering blue lights. He wore his gloves and punched the bulletproof glass. He grabbed the orb and turned back. Upon exiting, the soldiers had gathered around him. Lavender looked at one of them and said “You’re still so young, why waste that ?”

The youngster screamed “I won’t let you get away!” Lavender replied “Step aside, weakling!” The youngster insisted and pointed his spear at Lavender’s direction. Lavender took deep breaths and charged forward. He ran right in the middle of the soldiers, dodging each of their thrusts. At this moment, he entered The Zone. Only one thing was in his mind : “Don’t hurt anyone, just run.” He just ran across the circle, unaware of where to go. He just kept running and dodging, without attacking back.

-

His energy was drained and in just a split second, he exited The Zone. He became slow, but he was aware. He ran towards the exit and broke through five soldiers. He broke their spears and plunged it back against their bodies. None were lethal, as he was too exhausted to stab them in. He ran through the doors and the Tonfabot tucked his hips and prepared a stance. Lavender pushed both of his claws in front of his chest, shaping a rhino horn. He ran even faster and broke through it. However, one of the tonfas hit his waist. He coughed blood and immediately continued running. Ahead of the metallic gates, soldiers had marched and prepared to take him down.

Lavender took a deep breath and ran ahead. Upon exiting the gate, he immediately jumped and used the head of one of them as a pivot. He leapt off and jumped onto the wall where he just came from. He turned back and looked at the hordes of angry soldiers. He arrogantly grinned at them and grabbed his phone. He took a picture and screamed “See ya, losers!” Without looking, he jumped off the wall and landed within the roads.

Upon landing, the guards outside were prepared to attack. A beam shone upon him and on a whim, he vanished. He arrived on a plane, with a robotic voice angrily saying “That was reckless, Lavender!” Lavender sighed and replied “At the end, everything works well. Why worry ?” It sighed and grunted, before being cut off by a ringing voice. Someone contacted him, a familiar person. “It’s Gibran,” the AI replied. Lavender nodded and replied “Pick it up.”

Lavender sighed and replied “Is this enough ? For their treatment ?” Gibran did not respond, though his expression of sorrow blared against Lavender’s eyes. Lavender raised the orb and yelled “We had a deal!” Gibran replied “Bergamo’s symptoms got worse. That thing’s not enough anymore, though it will keep him alive for a while.” Lavender’s face turned pale and muttered “How long ?” Gibran sighed and his arms trembled as he opened his mouth. “Two months,” he nervously replied. Lavender replied “Then, he’ll die ?” Gibran nodded with a pale look on his face. Lavender muttered “Why is this keep happening ? I already lost Basil…” Lavender covered his eyes, holding his tears. Before Gibran could say another word, the call was disconnected by Lavender. He walked back, leaving the communication room. The Ai worrily asked “Is there something I could do ?” Lavender replied “Shut yourself up, Ursula.”

-

A month of sorrow passed with Lavender passing out at his dining table. He was lonely, reminiscing about the days with his brothers whilst drinking some Jagermeister. Ursula worrily approached Lavender and asked “Why don’t you go meet him ?” Lavender was still quite sober. He turned his head towards Ursula’s face and asked “Meet who ?” Ursula replied “Bergamo. I’m sure he wants to see you.” Lavender replied “Bergamo’s dead.” Ursula worrily replied, “You’ll regret this, you know ?”

Lavender looked at the content of the Jagermeister and said “Already did, since that deal with The Almighty.” Ursula replied “You just followed Sidra’s orders.” Lavender was intoxicated as he replied “Basil warned me… Something was wrong, but did I care ? NO, I DIDN’T!” He threw the bottle at Ursula’s robotic body. Ursula just swept away the alcohol and said “There was a light of hope.” Lavender replied “Yeah, I’ve read.” Ursula confusedly replied “You did ?” Lavender replied “Bunch of baloney made by Gibran. Starting to think he’s just punishing me for siding with The Almighty at the Great War.”

Ursula replied “Though, do you have any other choice ?” Lavender replied “We made that choice and now, I pay the price. Both my brothers are dead and I’m planning to join the party.” Ursula replied “Basil won’t like seeing you like this.” Lavender sighed and replied “I know, I’m sorry.” Ursula confusedly asked “I thought you’re going to cut me into pieces, per usual.” Lavender shook his head and replied “Shut up before I changed my mind.” Ursula sighed and replied “Call him, Lavender.” Lavender replied “Why ?” Ursula replied “So you won’t make the same mistake, as you did.” Lavender grunted and left the dining table.

-

Lavender entered the communication room. He had grown quite a belly and his face looked unmotivated. Lavender dialed the numbers and Gibran picked it up. The camera turned on and Bergamo appeared. Lavender was shocked and Bergamo chuckled and asked “How are you doing, lil bro ?” Lavender turned his face away and replied “I don’t want to see your face.” Bergamo sighed and replied “I… I’m sorry. You carry a heavy burden because of me.” Lavender replied “And you’re going to give me one more, for this mission.” Bergamo replied “Actually, I wanted you to do the opposite.” Lavender confusedly muttered “What do you mean ?” Bergamo sighed and replied “I talked to Gibran and he understood. He had prepared my burial and I wanted you to come. After you shed your part of the tears, move on bro. You did enough for me and Basil.” Lavender turned his back and with tears he yelled “I ACCEPT!” Bergamo angrily replied “You idiot! Don’t do this, the heist is impossible.”

Lavender yelled “Don’t underestimate me! Since we sold our soul to Sidra, I trained hard. Basil’s death… It awakened something in me. TRUST ME, BROTHER!” Bergamo replied “Triton’s Valley, I’ve been there before. You always wondered why I lost one of my eyes, right ?” Lavender slammed his fists against each other and replied “Then, more the reason to go.” Bergamo sighed and turned his head away from the screen. “Well, I tried convincing him. You’re up, Gibran.” Gibran walked towards the screen and said “Orb of Rejuvenation, that’s what you’re looking for.” Lavender was shocked, in disbelief. He confusedly muttered “It… Is it real ?” Gibran nodded and replied “Once combined with Orb of Tainted, it would balance an organism’s body. Inside Bergamo’s body was the Orb of Tainted, which you stole from Lake Kepler 62.”

Lavender replied “All these times… It was meant to be one ?” Gibran nodded and replied “Do you believe me ?” Lavender shook his head and replied “These past year, you have thrown me all over the Universe, searching for this and that. All for the sake of my brother’s health. Though, none did help him.” Gibran’s face turned pale and he asked “Then, why still do it ?” Lavender replied “Because Bergamo is my brother.” Gibran replied “I’m sorry, that I can’t save you brothers.” Lavender replied “Never asked for your help, though you still tried.” Gibran covered his face and swiped his left palm. He showed the blueprints of the facility. 100 hectares, average temperature of 55 degrees Celsius, and three layered walls, each made of Purified Katchin.

-

A week had passed and Bergamo only had three weeks. Lavender looked at his wallpaper once more. He swiped the lock screen open and read through the map once more. He memorized everything he could slam onto his head and took a deep breath. Ursula approached his back, saying “The beam’s ready, Lavender.” Lavender turned back and looked up. One of the monitors showed him the planet. It was massive, with rings circling the massive sphere. The planet was dark red, with azure tints. Lavender walked across the ship’s hallway and entered the bathroom, carrying his usual clothes. Though, one more thing was added. Beside Basil’s red boots, he wore Bergamo’s red scarf. He tightly clenched it, as he muttered “Protect me, brother.”

Lavender took a warm bath and emerged out, wearing his brother’s gifts. He may be alone, but he could sense that they’re close to him. “I can’t disappoint them. I’ll save him!” He thought to himself. Ursula slightly smiled and replied “Good luck, Lavender.” Lavender looked back at Ursula’s machine body and replied “You better prepare some beef for when I return.” Ursula nodded and replied “Noted, Sir!”

They were right above the ring. Upon closing in, it was no ring. Just a bunch of oversized pebbles tied onto each other. He entered the communication room and walked through the blue circle right at the corner left. He waved his right palm and Ursula pressed the button. The beam directed him down, landing him right at Triton. Lavender landed down, slightly dizzy. He let out a slight chuckle, touching his chest. “Calm down, heartbeat,” he thought to himself.

-

Lavender jumped from one asteroid to another. He checked the map on his phone and just about two kilometers left. Though, he could already see it. It was a fortress with the symbol of a demon’s smile. It was watched by many marksmen, each wielding a sniper rifle. Lavender pointed his phone’s camera at one of them and ran the analysis. Seconds later, a voice came from his phone. “Species : Satans. Wielding sniper rifle. Distance of sniper : 1 kilometer.” Lavender looked up and prepared himself.

He continued leaping and finally, one last leap. It was quite far and high. He took a deep breath and walked a few steps back. He ran as fast as he could and jumped high. The lack of gravity helped him just barely get through. He turned back and looked at the endless void beneath him. “Hey, you okay ?” Ursula spoke at Lavender’s headphone. Lavender replied “I’m in.” Ursula replied “How are you going to pass those satans ?” Lavender hummed, thinking of a proper plan. After a while, he sharpened his claws and replied “It’s too early, though it’s not like I had any choice.”

Ursula replied “That scarf you wore. Doesn’t it have special abilities ?” Lavender replied “As far as I’m aware, no.” Ursula replied “Basil’s boots gave you speed. Surely, that scarf had something. What was Bergamo good at ?” Lavender hummed and replied “I can’t even recall anything that he’s bad at. Oh yeah, decision making.” Ursula replied “Well, you really need to make a better decision than going in guns blazing.”

Lavender sighed and nodded. He gently touched the scarf wrapped around his neck. Upon letting go, his claws slowly disappeared, following through his arms, then shoulders. Lavender panicked, thinking that he had slowly killed himself. Ursula screamed at his ears, telling him to calm down. “Your body was still intact. Don’t panic!” Lavender confusedly and worrily replied “Then, what the hell is happening ?!” Ursula scrolled through the message logs for the past week, searching about the scarf. Whilst searching, Lavender’s body had vanished though he could feel everything. “Invisibility. That’s the ability of Bergamo’s scarf. Written on the note when he sent the scarf.”

Lavender replied “Wait, that wasn’t some apology letter ?” Ursula replied “It is, but the last paragraph explained about the scarf.” Lavender nodded and replied “Then, I’ll keep going.” Lavender shut the communication off and continued walking. He walked past through the guards and they did not notice him. The scarf worked and Lavender effortlessly reached right at the first gate. It was massive, though protected by thick layers of metals and foot soldiers standing beneath it.

Lavender hummed and looked all over the fortress, searching for a small space he could struggle himself to. Twenty minutes passed and no signs of gaping at all. Lavender cracked his knuckles and screamed “LET’S GO!” The soldiers heard him and were immediately alerted. Ursula called again and screamed “YOU IDIOT! It did not cover your voice.” Lavender calmed himself down and laid low once more, waiting for the soldiers to passed by.

The soldiers ran wild towards the source of the voice and the sniper looked all over the place. All seemed to be ready to take their shots. Lavender sighed and muttered “It seemed no other way than up.” Lavender climbed the high wall, around 200 meters in height. Upon climbing, some of the rocks would fall. The snipers immediately noticed it and looked down at the fallen rocks.

They took their shots, though none hit Lavender. Lavender just barely evaded all of them, using his animalistic instinct. He kept on climbing upwards until he stood right in front of those snipers. He stood right at the edge of their barrel, though they did not know that. Lavender walked past them and jumped off towards the other side. He had entered Triton’s Valley.

-

Triton Valley was vast and the sights seemed endless. Lavender looked all around and noticed that this place was a community. Many people lived here, as if it was just another city. But, it was no normal city. It held something mystical, the Orb of Rejuvenation. Lavender walked as if he was just another resident, though he immediately was glared upon. A yellow wolf right in the daylight, walking around the satans. The satans were humanoid creatures, born with dark skin and horns appearing around their forehead, shoulders, and hips. The horns itself was quite miniscule, though it had bright red. Most of their skins were covered by a layer of fluffy wool, similar to Earth’s sheep. Lavender walked past them with his invisibility scarf. Then, he appeared out of thin air. The family of satans were shocked, seeing a werewolf appeared right out of thin air.

The father immediately clenched his fists and screamed “Who are you ?!” Lavender raised his palms, trying to calm him down. “I’m just a visitor, I come in peace.” The child was afraid, cowering behind his mother’s thighs. Lavender immediately ran past them, saying his sorry. He ran far away, walking past through the roads. Today was quite crowded and he almost stumbled upon a man carrying baskets of fruit. He barely dodged past him and continued running. Few moments later, he stumbled upon a market. It was full of people, a perfect spot to hide. He wrapped his head with Bergamo’s scarf and covered his mouth.

He sneaked around the people and continued his path. Upon passing a few people, his tummy rumbled. He looked around, searching for someone who sold any kinds of food. He looked all over the market though nobody sold any edibles known to him. There were fruits and veggies, but his carnivore diet did not fit them. He continued walking and walking. He almost reached the end and still, no food. Upon walking, he found those same satan soldiers. They did not wield sniper rifles, but some sort of a hilt.

“Were those sword’s hilt ?” Lavender thought to himself. Lavender tightly clenched the scarf and turned on the invisibility cloak once more. Upon vanishing from thin air, a mass hysteria was created proving the father’s word. The soldiers immediately ran past the satans around the market. In just a minute, a notification was made. “Give up, Intruder! We have surrounded this market.” Lavender let out a slight chuckle.

“Catch me if you can,” he thought to himself. He swept the people around him away, creating a path for him. The people were confused, noticing a slight breeze that swept them away. Though, nobody fell down against the floor. All who were swept immediately looked at the sky and thought it was the bad weather. Ursula called once more, screaming “Hey, are you okay ? I just read the news and it seemed they realized there had been intruders.” Lavender could not respond and continued running.

-

He emerged from the market and right ahead of him were robots. It was quite familiar, reminiscing of those who stood against him at Kepler 62. Lavender swiftly broke through them without being caught, or at least that’s what he thought. One of the robots grabbed through his head and slammed him down against the ground. Upon screaming in pain, the invisibility cloak died once more. Lavender was laid down onto the ground, with ten mechas staring down at him. All of them wielded different sorts of blades, with different shapes and sizes.

Lavender sharpened his claws and gritted his teeth. He turned back and swung his claws against their necks. He immediately took down two of them, though the others sliced off parts of his furs. Blood spurted and he screamed in pain. Three of them stopped moving and the other three pointed their blades at him. “Surrender yourself, intruder,” one of them said. Lavender stood up once more and clenched the scarf. He vanished and they turned on their heat sensors once more. Upon turning it on, Lavender already appeared right in front of them and their heads were slit off.

Lavender looked ahead and breathed raggedly. “Three more to go,” he thought to himself before wiping his sweat. They raised their blades and charged ahead. Lavender was about to move, yet the police held his body in place. He panicked, continuously struggling against the bind. He angrily screamed, throwing those police all over the place. Some of the shops were destroyed and some people were harmed. But, Lavender was free for a moment. He charged at the police and grabbed one of the blades lying on the ground. He swung it against their necks and in one fell swoop, eliminated all three of them. The soldiers chased after him. However in just the nick of time, he clenched the scarf and disappeared once more. 

-

Bounty was put on his head. As for now, they were still searching for him. All of these had turned sour. No spaceships were permitted to leave nor enter Triton. Lavender single handedly created a national crisis. Two days had passed since his first sighting. The police were still searching and a massive bounty had been set for his head. Deep inside farmland, a family of farmers resided. It was dinner and the mother just finished cooking baked potatoes along with fried turkeys. She walked towards the stairs and called the children. 

Both of them rose down the stairs, excitedly running towards the kitchen. They sat at the table, meeting with their father. He was reading a newspaper and the main page was Lavender’s face. One of the children said “Daddy, is he a bad guy ?” The dad put the newspaper down and smiled at him. “He’s kind. I’m sure of it,” the father said. The father looked towards his wife and said “Invite him for me, okay ?” She nodded with a smile and walked towards the living room. He left the house and looked at the lonely tree.

There he was, laying his back at the trunk. Lavender continuously played with his phone. It has been like this since these last two days. He stood up and angrily threw the phone against the grass. The mother yelled “Hey wolfie, dinner’s ready!” Lavender sighed and looked away. The mother slowly approached him and gently asked “Is there something wrong ?” Lavender took a deep breath and replied “The connection’s buzzed.” The mother smiled and replied “You seemed distressed. Let’s eat first, okay ?” Lavender sighed and nodded.

Lavender entered the house with the mother. The kids excitedly greeted Lavender and invited him towards the table. All of them enjoyed the meal and the family happily talked towards each other. Upon seeing this, Lavender could not help but to smile a little. “So, this is what family looked like,” he thought to himself. Lavender finished his plate first and he stood up. He grabbed the dirty plates and gently put them into the sink. He washed it and calmly cleaned it. Upon washing it, he calmly asked “You guys don’t have to do this. You can turn me in, you know ? The bounty will set you people for life.” The father looked at Lavender and replied “I know.” Lavender turned back and replied “So, why haven’t you ?” The mother replied, “Because our heart tells us that what we’re doing now was the right thing.” 

Lavender pointed at himself and replied “I’m a big bad wolf and in a way, you guys looked like sheep. I don’t think it’s a good look.” The mother took a breather and replied “Then, let me ask you this. You killed Ten Robozoid within a matter of minutes. If we fight you, can we even touch you ?” Lavender replied “I get if you guys are afraid. But I don’t even sense that from any of you.” The father let out a slight chuckle and replied “When you’re this old, death does not seem so terrifying anymore.” Lavender sighed and replied “Whatever, give me y’all plates.”

-

It was night and Lavender was asleep on the sofa. Suddenly, he heard a loud noise coming from the stairs. It was one of the kids. Lavender looked at him and asked “You’re Jimmy, right ?” Jimmy nodded and replied “Big bro is evil, he wouldn’t lend me his toys.” Lavender rose from the sofa and gently approached Jimmy. He tapped his shoulder and smiled at little Jimmy. “Let’s ask together nicely, okay ?” He calmly told Jimmy. Both of them rose towards the stairs and entered the room. Timmy angrily swept the toys onto himself, saying “This toy is mine! Father gave it to me.” Lavender replied “Timmy, right ? Can you just share ? I mean, didn’t Jimmy’s toys break because they fell ?” 

Timmy angrily replied “Why should I care ?! He broke it!” Lavender sighed and replied “He’s still a kid, same as you. Accidents happened, okay ?” Timmy looked down at his bed and replied “But… Why should I be responsible too ?” Lavender replied “Because he’s your family. At the end of the day, family is the only thing you’ll have.” Timmy sighed and replied “Fine, come here Jimmy.” Jimmy smiled and excitedly ran towards the bed. Lavender stood up and said “Then, I’m going down.” Lavender turned back and opened the door. Just before he left, Timmy asked “I am still learning how to read, but I saw your face. Why do they call you a monster ?”

Lavender replied “Because I am.” Timmy replied “Why do you become one ?” Lavender turned back and with determination in his eyes, he calmly replied “My big brother.” Timmy was quite startled by Lavender’s gaze. It was scary, yet somehow reassuring. Lavender let out a little chuckle and left the room. He walked down the stairs and the father sat at the sofa, waiting for him.

-

Lavender stepped down the stairs and said “Now, will you tell me the truth ?” The father sighed and turned his head. He looked at Lavender and said “Take a seat, Lavender.” Lavender confusedly asked “How did you…” The father replied “Know ? Well, Bergamo won’t come back knowing what happened and I heard somber news about Basil. So, that leaves the middle child.” Lavender replied “Should I be afraid of you ?” He stood up and extended his hand, offering a handshake. “My name is Dr. Richard. I worked at Ultear Inferno.” Lavender replied “Ultear Inferno ?! Wasn’t that the second layer ?”

Dr. Richard nodded and replied “You wanted to get in, right ?” Lavender replied “Can you help me ?” Dr. Richard nodded and replied “In one condition.” Dr. Richard pointed at Lavender’s neck. “I want that scarf,” he replied. Lavender shook his head and replied “I can’t. It was my brother’s.” Lavender was still in dilemma. Dr. Richard sighed and replied “What did you come here for ?” Lavender nervously replied “To save my brother.” Dr. Richard replied “Then, an eye for an eye. I’ll make sure you enter the second wall for that scarf.”

Lavender took his time to think. Whilst he was gone onto his land of memories, he could feel something hit his right cheek. Dr. Richard angrily looked at him and wondered “I’m surprised that it’s even a dilemma. Your brother’s own life for the memories of him ?” Lavender gritted his teeth and grabbed Dr. Richard’s clothes. He frustratedly yelled “What do you know ?! This is my seventh… SEVENTH rodeo. He always told me Bergamo would be healed but NO! He’s never getting better.” Dr. Richard confusedly replied “Then, why did you come here ?”

Lavender threw his face away and gently put Dr. Richard down. He opened the door and left the house. He gazed at the night sky and took a deep breath whilst clenching the scarf itself. The wife left her bedroom, hurried towards Dr. Richard. “Is there something wrong, honey ?” She worrily asked. Dr. Richard looked at his wife and replied “It’s nothing, Kori. I’m sorry for disturbing your rest.” Kori gently touched Dr. Richard’s face and said “Do you really need his scarf ?” Dr. Richard shook his head and replied “It’s a test and sadly, I’m right.”

Kori replied “No, not yet. Tomorrow, ask him again.” Dr. Richard nodded and replied “Should we tell him to come in ?” Kori shook his head and replied “Give him time.” Dr. Richard nodded and replied “You’re a really good mother, you know ?” Kori chuckled and pinched Dr. Richard’s cheek, replying “And you are a great father figure.” They both returned back to their beds and took a nap, whilst Lavender slowly laid his back at the lonely tree and slowly closed his eyes.

-

Lavender slowly walked towards the house, with the scarf already on his right palm. He knocked at the door and upon being opened, he shoved the scarf at Dr. Richard. Lavender excitedly yelled “Take me there!” Dr. Richard smiled and replied “It’s where Bergamo lost one of his eyes. Are you sure ?” Lavender nodded and replied “Take it, the scarf.” Dr. Richard grabbed the scarf and took a glance at it. He rubbed his chin and calmly said “Exquisite.”

Dr. Richard and Lavender left the house and waved their goodbyes to the rest of the family. Behind the lonely tree, there was a blue truck. Dr. Richard told Lavender to enter the truck. He opened it with his keys and entered it. Both of them placed their seatbelts. Dr. Richard once again looked towards Lavender and asked “After you went in, there’s nothing I could do to help you.” Lavender looked back at him and said “When we’re there, attack me.” Dr. Richard confusedly asked “Why ?” Lavender replied “Because we’re enemies.” Dr. Richard sighed and replied “Sounds fun, I’m in.”

The journey was quite short, yet exciting. Along the way, the view was quite mesmerizing as there were many crops. Upon leaving the farmlands, they drove past a waterfall. Few minutes later, they entered the city. There were houses all over the place, along with restaurants, movie theaters, and all kinds of shops. It was as if Triton Valley was a community, not this keeper of the magical item. Lavender looked at all the satans, enjoying their daily lives.

He looked down and sighed. “Maybe, I shouldn’t be doing this,” he confusedly muttered. Dr. Richard replied “You’re scared of hurting them ?” Lavender replied “I can turn my eyes to soldiers, thinking they were already dead when they signed the contract. But, it was off limits to think the same for kids.” Dr. Richard nodded and replied “So, the Big Bad Wolf had a heart.” Lavender shyly replied “Forget it, let’s just continue.” Dr. Richard chuckled and replied “If you want those kids to be happy, then you have to do this.” Lavender confusedly replied “Why ?” Dr. Richard replied “Maybe those happy smiles did the trick. Most of the resources on Triton were used for military purposes. If that thing did not exist, those people would get the proper funds for their livelihood.” Lavender refused to believe it, as he saw those kids too cheerful.

-

The world changed upon standing right before the gate. Lavender now understood what Dr. Richard meant. He opened the wall and waved his goodbyes. Lavender turned back and said “Snitch me, for your family.” Dr. Richard grabbed his phone and dialed the number. He nodded and said “I’m sorry.” Lavender waved his hands as he entered Ultear Inferno. The phone was dialed, signaling that Lavender had been spotted right at the entrance.

The gate enclosed itself and a robotic voice calmly said “Welcome, Lavender.” Lavender confusedly thought “What the hell is that ?!” Everything around him was dirt with only asphalt beneath him. He followed the asphalt path and took a gaze left and right. There was nothing except a massive building ahead of him. Then, he put his foot in the wrong place.

He could feel that he just triggered a button beneath him. He calmed his breath and thought “Give me your strength, Basil.” He took his feet off and leapt far off the ground. The road blew up, triggering the other landmines. A massive thick layer of dust flew around the air, covering Lavender’s vision. Just two seconds later, he landed back onto the torn ground, covered deep within the layer of dust. He continued walking and shortly, he could hear footsteps. 

He turned back and deflected the gun away. It was an ambush by those Robozoid. Lavender grabbed one of their heads and noticed that they had something within their eyes. It was glowing green and continuously following Lavender’s arms. Lavender pulled its lenses away and tried to see through it. The dust vanished, showing the dozens of Robozoid that had stood by. They immediately cucks their guns and took aim right at him.

Lavender turned his back and looked straight at the massive building. There were five protecting the entrance, all of those using spears and shields made of electrical energy. Lavender looked up and took a deep steep with both feet. Upon floating in the air, guns were shot at him. One did hit, though it only slightly scratched his furs. He flew off the ground and kicked the air, pushing him straight towards the entrance. In just one attack, he took down the one in the middle. Before the other four could react, Lavender had shown his fangs and sliced their heads off. He used the lenses on his arms and opened the gate. The gate slid open and he entered.

-

Upon entering, everything was narrow and white. The wall was shaped by tiles of white marbling, separated by dark lines. He continued walking forward and a monitor hanging by the ceiling was turned on. Lavender looked at the menacing glare from the monitor and asked “Who are you ?” The speakers around the wall answered “It’s sad that you forgot. Doesn't matter, because I’ll get my revenge.” Lavender sharpened his claws and smiled menacingly. He replied “Come here and get me, then.”

The wall around him cracked and the tiles collapsed down. Beyond those walls, barrels of guns appeared, aimed at Lavender. Lavender immediately ran ahead as fast as he could. Each gun shot out energy beams and it bounced off the walls and floor. Lavender closed his eyes and listened properly. “Not my first rodeo,” he thought to himself. He dodged all of them whilst running forward. For sixty seconds, a total of 10.000 shots were done and each shot bounced around five times, none touching Lavender.

Lavender continued running and he finally went past those tiles of white walls. Lavender entered a dark room and upon gazing at the darkness, a light appeared right on top of him. Someone had expected him, a man wearing a labcoat. He was a satan, though his fists looked different. It was made from steel and machines. Lavender spread his arms and sharpened his claws. Before he could open his mouth, Lavender already passed him. He angrily turned back, planning to get the first attack. Those two arms fell down towards the ground and blood spurted all over the place.

Lavender grabbed his phone from his pocket and swiped the screen. There were some red ashes on the back, though it still worked quite fine. “There were three levels on Ultear Inferno and this… isn’t this the second ?” Lavender hummed and thought to himself. The map displayed Ultear Inferno as a narrow path, going further and further in, then the path ended abruptly, shown within black blurry dots. Lavender approached the man and as he pleaded for mercy, he peeled off one of his eyes and scanned his retina at the gate.

-

Lavender continued onward, following the directions that appeared within his phone. “No cheating,” the speakers echoed all over the walls. An ammo flew onto his wrist, slicing off the edge of his right fingers along with his phone. Lavender shook his fingers and pressed the blood away as a caution measure against infection.

Lavender continued onward on his path and the wall changed its colors once more. The light, the dark, and now the ocean. Everything was blue and the wall blew all over the place like waves of water. The floor shook, preventing him from moving swiftly. Once again, a scientist appeared right before him. Before Lavender could attack, he aimed his gun at him and shot an energy attack. Lavender barely dodged it, though some of his furs were fried away.

It was a woman and she was quite tall, arrogantly asking “Wasn’t this supposed to be a heist ?” She purposely taunted Lavender and he just chuckled. Lavender looked at his right and plunged his claws in. He grabbed one of the guns hidden within the walls and aimed it at her. Lavender looked at her and asked “Was this the third level ?” She shot another beam ahead and replied “Fu fu fu…” Lavender tried to dodge, but the wave threw him towards the beam. He was hit and thrown all the way back towards the dark room. Lavender slowly got up and coughed. He rose up and looked at the gun on his right arm. He spat at the barrel and nodded. He immediately ran back, ramming past the waves of walls.

Upon arriving, she immediately shot at him and Lavender charged onto the beam. He grinned and put the barrel right at her waist. “Blast off!” He screamed as he shot an ammo towards her waist. Both of her legs were chopped off and the floor became shakier. He was slowed down, but he continued onward his path and finally saw the end. A gate stood upon him with the symbol of Saturn itself. It was quite sturdy with a glossy pattern resembling those of Katchin Metals. Lavender slowly walked down the stairs whilst embracing for the worst.

-

Thirty minutes later and the tiles of the stairs still poured downwards. Within the darkness, the past called Lavender back. “Well, it was always his choice,” he thought to himself. Bergamo always got to decide for him and Basil. Though, he wanted it to be that way. Now, he had to decide everything on his own. “Did I make the right decision ?” Lavender wondered to himself. He calmly breathed against the odd familiarity within this pitch blackness and suddenly, a roar echoed all over the tile of stairs. Something was closing in, from the bottom of the hole. Lavender raised his fighting stance and looked towards his left. Suddenly, something tapped his shoulder. He turned back and it was a Robozoid. Before Lavender attacked, he noticed something odd. “He had no weapon,” he thought to himself.

Lavender rotated his body whilst sharpening his claws, going for the first attack. His hand was stuck onto the wall. “How ? It phased through you.” The Robozoid had a slight grin on its LED face, whilst saying “Shocker, huh ?” Lavender angrily pulled his claws off the wall and threw a kick ahead. Once again, his legs phased through it. Lavender lost his balance and climbed two tiles of stairs. He turned back and asked “Where is the Orb of Rejuvenation ?!”

The Robozoid sighed and replied “Why should I tell you ?” Lavender replied “I’ve gone through hell, just so I can save my brother.” With a feminine voice, she asked “Didn’t you cause all of this ?” Lavender looked down and tears fell from his eyes. He cried and muttered “I… I know. I’m sorry.” She climbed the tiles and tapped his shoulder. She showed Lavender the Orb of Rejuvenation on his left palm and asked “Would you pay the price ?” Lavender replied “What was it ?” She replied “Who is my name ?” Lavender replied “You… You’re Ultear. I met you back when I stole the Orb of Tainted.”

Ultear nodded and replied “Be a host for my body and I’ll give this to Bergamo. You’ll be forgotten, but I’ll live as Lavender.” Lavender didn’t even rethink for a moment. He nodded and replied, “Deal.” Ultear confusedly replied “Don’t you want to think about this further ? If I overtook your body, you basically died.” Lavender chuckled and replied “Since Gibran saved me, I already counted myself as dead. All of this… It was just a bonus round. I get to save Bergamo and that… That’s good enough.” Ultear replied “Then, let’s go.”

-

Both of them sunk into the endless void and landed down. It was a dark hallway yet Lavender couldn’t contain his smile. They kept walking and Ultear looked at his face. She wondered “You could’ve taken it by force. Why don’t you do it ?” Lavender replied “Because that thing, it’s not the real one, is it ?” Ultear was shocked as she replied “How did you know ?” Lavender replied “Oh please, I’m a thief. I know valuables when I see one.”

Lavender looked around the hallways. There were so many doors that most of them were covered within the dark void. Though, one sign appeared right on top of the farthest door. Dos Tu Uno, the name of the room. Lavender pointed at the sign and wondered, “What does it mean ?” Ultear replied “Two become One.” Lavender nodded and replied “Then, let’s enter.” Both of them pushed the gate together and entered at the same time. There was a table, around the height of the average satan. Right on the ceiling, a cap made of metal was hung by a group of cables. Ultear pointed at it and said “Laid your body there.” Ultear decrypted the safety net and Orb of Rejuvenation appeared within her metallic palms.

Lavender approached the table and slowly laid his back at it. He looked up at the metal cap. It looked terrifying and the quiet ambience of the room felt oddly soothing. Lavender looked at Ultear as he typed through the keyboard and turned on all the monitors. An emergency broadcast was shown. As a massive rebellion erupted all across Triton Valley. The people fought back against the scientists and soldiers. The camera panned towards the dead satans and the metal scraps of Robozoid all over the ground. The war scattered all over the place, shown by all the eight monitors all across the room.

Ultear frustratedly screamed “Damn those sheeps!” Lavender turned his head and looked at one of the monitors. It was a sky view and he saw a familiar sight in the sky. It was his ship, prepared to depart at any moment. One of the sheep ran towards the reporter’s mic and screamed “RISE, SATANS! LAVENDER OPENED OUR EYES! DON’T LET THEM CLOSE IT ONCE MORE!” Lavender confusedly replied “What… just happened ?” One channel played a tape, made by Richard Lewonski. It was an audio message, a recording of their conversation.

The police set a bounty upon Richard’s family, with one channel broadcasting a raid onto their farmhouse. Lavender worriedly looked at that monitor and screamed “I can’t stay here! I need to save them.” Guns appeared all across the room with laser dots all over his body. Ultear frustratedly yelled “DON’T MOVE! Your body… It’s MINE!” Before the metallic cage could hold his body, Lavender already went into The Zone and stood from the table. He destroyed Ultear’s body and took the Orb of Rejuvenation along with him.

He walked past the door and Ultear, she couldn’t leave. Those dark rooms, each of them held a monster. An amalgamation of machinery and animalistic instinct, all setting their eyes at Lavender. Lavender ran as fast as he could, climbing the endless tile of stairs whilst being chased by those monsters. His legs wanted to give up, but those boots launched him up further and further.

He reached back towards the gate and broke through it with a kick. He ran past the hallway, dodging all the traps around him. He exited Ultear Inferno and the soldiers had put their aim at Lavender. The monster caught up from the back. One of the soldiers screamed “HANDS UP, KNEES ON THE GROUND!” Lavender raised both of his palms and slowly bent his knees. Though, his right index fingers pointed up. A beam teleported him away and upon reaching the ship, Lavender screamed “The farmlands! We need to save them!” Ursula replied “It’s already taken care of.” Dr. Richard along with his family stepped out from the shadow and replied “Told ya, you’re no monster.” Lavender scoffed and looked towards Ursula. “Then, let’s leave,” he calmly said.

-

A wolf opened his eyes slowly. He slowly sat down and looked around him. A yellow wolf hid his face and muttered “Finally.” A humanoid female smiled with her LED face, saying “Welcome back, Bergamo.” Bergamo looked down at his chest, noticing the orb had been implanted. Bergamo stood up and hugged Lavender. Bergamo whispered “Thank you so much and I… I’m sorry.” Lavender hugged him back and replied “It ends… It finally ended.”

Assets Used :
Ocean Background = https://free-game-assets.itch.io/ocean-and-clouds-free-pixel-art-backgrounds

Robot Monster = https://darkpixel-kronovi.itch.io/mecha-golem-free

Song Used = Mario Judah - Die Very Rough

Keybindings = https://beamedeighth.itch.io/simplekeys-animated-pixel-keyboard-keys?download