Zataria's Last Light-Chapter 31: Zatarian and Natharain

Shakiro: I didn't mean to; I promise!

Wish: Shakiro is just really strong; he knows how to use his powers.

Solaris: Just wait until I get mine because I'll be stronger than both of you combined!

Wish: You wish! I'll be the strongest!

Shakiro: NO! I'm going to be because I can already use my powers!

Solaris: You can't say that; it's not fair!

Wish: Yeah, you cheated!

Ongei starts to laugh.

Wish: It's not funny, Mom!

Ongei: I'm laughing because you boys are bickering again.

Solaris: Well, Mom, who do you think is the strongest?

Shakiro: Yes, Mom, who do you believe is the strongest?

Wish: It's me, watch!

Solaris, Wish, and Shakiro all look at Ongei with serious expressions.

Ongei: Uhh... Well, I can't ch—

Before Ongei can finish, the siren for Zataria sounds, signaling that their father has returned.

Solaris, Shakiro, Wish: (Looking at each other) DAD'S BACK!!!

Ongei: Already? It's only been a week and a half.

Ongei and the three boys head to the ship dock, where everyone in Zataria has gathered. They position themselves at the front as a portal opens.

Shakiro: (Eyes wide) This is my favorite part!

Wish: No, it's my favorite part!

Solaris: No, it's mine!

Ongei: Boys, stop fighting!

The boys cease their bickering and watch as a massive ship emerges from the portal, its sides emblazoned with the word "Zataria" in vibrant colors.

Shakiro: (Eyes wide) Whoa!

As the ship docked, the citizens of Zataria erupted in applause, celebrating its safe arrival. When the rear door opened, a plume of smoke billowed out.

Ongei: (To herself) Oh, I missed you, darling!

As the smoke cleared, Drax stepped out.

Drax: Thank you, thank you! I have returned.

At his announcement, the crowd's cheers faded; they were not fond of him.

Solaris: What is Drax doing here?

Ongei: Yes, where is Heroma?

Wish: I hate this guy.

Shakiro: Me too.

Drax: (To himself) Tough crowd.

Zatarian 1: What are you doing here, Drax?

Zatarian 2: Yeah! Where's Heroma?

Drax: I have some unfortunate news.

Solaris, Shakiro, Wish: What? Bad news?

A collective gasp swept through the crowd.

Drax: Heroma has, uh, passed away...

Ongei: WHAT! NO!

Shakiro: No! OUR DAD WOULDN'T DIE; HE'S TOO STRONG!!

Wish: Yeah, he's the strongest!

Solaris: HE'S LYING!

Solaris turned to Ongei.

Solaris: He's lying, right, Mom? (Tearing up)

Ongei: (In shock) I-I-I don't know, honey.

Solaris: N-n-no, this can't be.

Zatarian 3: You're lying! Heroma would never die; he's the strongest among us!

Zatarian 4: Yes! Stop lying!

Drax: Well, I don't know what to tell you, but he is actually de—

Before Drax could finish, someone in the crowd shouted.

???: HEROMA!

Everyone turned to see a figure in a hooded cloak, their face concealed.

???: Heroma can't die; it's impossible.

Drax: Huh? And how would you know that?

???: Because I am... Heroma!

With a dramatic flourish, Heroma threw off his cloak, sending it soaring into the sky.

Shakiro, Wish, Solaris: DAD!!

Ongei: (Clutching her chest) Oh, thank God!

The crowd erupted in cheers, yelling and clapping.

Shakiro: I just knew he wasn't dead; there was simply no way.

As time passed, Heroma chatted with his sons by the ship.

Heroma: So, how are my boys?

Shakiro, Solaris, Wish: GOOD!!

Shakiro: I'm gooder.

Wish: No! I'm gooder!

Solaris: Well, I'm Goodererr.

Wish: That's not even a word!

Solaris: Well, it is now!

Shakiro: You can't just make up words.

Heroma began to laugh.

Heroma: Well, it's good to see you haven't changed since I was gone.

Ongei: You scared me for a moment there. I thought you were actually dead...

Heroma turned around as the children continued to argue.

Heroma: Well, that was the whole point.

Ongei turned her back to Heroma.

Ongei: Now I'm mad at you.

Heroma approaches her slowly and wraps his arms around her in a warm embrace.

Heroma: You missed me, didn't you?

Ongei: No, actually I didn't. Not once.

Heroma: Oh really? You didn't think about me at all?

Ongei turns to face Heroma, tears welling in her eyes.

Heroma: See, you did.

Ongei: Of course I did. I missed you every day—your face, your laugh, and, of course, your annoying charm.

Heroma: Naturally! I'm the best at it.

Ongei playfully taps Heroma on the arm.

Heroma: Ouch! You're getting stronger.

Ongei: Well, I learn from the best.

They share a laugh just as Drax approaches.

Drax: What's so funny!?

Ongei looks at Drax, stops laughing, and grimaces.

Drax: Oh, come on, Ongei! You still make that same expression every time you see me.

Ongei: Of course I do. You're the reason my husband finds himself in these situations.

Drax: Listen, it's not like I intend for it to happen; it just does.

Ongei's frustration mounts, causing her hair to flicker. Drax looks apprehensive, prompting Heroma to step in.

Heroma: Okay! That's enough of that.

Drax: I didn't mean to upset you. I apologize.

Heroma: It's alright...

Ongei gives Drax a piercing glare, making him uneasy.

Heroma: Anyway... Drax, would you like to introduce him?

Drax suddenly remembers.

Drax: Oh yes!

Ongei: Introduce? Introduce whom?

Drax calls out to Heroma's sons, who are still engaged in an argument.

Drax: Hey boys!

Solaris, Shakiro, and Wish turn to Drax.

Drax: Come over here. I want you to meet someone.

Shakiro: Meet someone?

Wish: Maybe she's a girl.

Solaris: Eww, girls are gross.

The boys approach Drax, who greets them enthusiastically.

Drax: Hey boys! How are you? Long time no see! (Laughs)

Wish: (to himself) Yeah, I wish it had stayed that way.

Shakiro: (to himself) He's so ugly.

Solaris: Your breath stinks.

Drax: Wh—

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Heroma: SOLARIS!

Ongei bursts into laughter.

Solaris: What? It does.

Drax puts his hand to his mouth, blows on it, and sniffs.

Drax: Smells fine to me. Anyway, boys, I want you to meet someone.

Drax moves aside, revealing no one, leaving the boys and Ongei perplexed.

Shakiro: Ugh...

Wish: Meet who?

Solaris: Yes, there's no one there.

Heroma and Ongei begin to giggle. Drax looks beside him and sees nothing.

Drax: What the— Not again.

Drax reaches behind him, gently lifts a child off his back, and sets him down. The child appears frightened and trembling.

Ongei: Did he just—

Heroma: Yes, he did; he's quite shy.

Ongei: Who is he?

Drax: This is my son.

Shakiro: YOUR SON!

Wish: But you're so ugly! How?

Solaris: Is he adopted?

Drax: Wh— No, he is my son, Naburo.

Drax looks at Naburo.

Drax: Come on, Naburo, don't be shy; say hello.

Naburo: (extremely scared and shy) H-h-hi.

Solaris approaches Naburo and firmly takes his hand.

Naburo: Ahh.

Solaris: HELLO, MY NAME IS SOLARIS.

Wish and Shakiro walk over to Naburo and introduce themselves.

Wish: I'm Wish; it's a pleasure to meet you.

Shakiro: And I'm Shakiro!

Naburo: I-I-I'm Naburo.

Shakiro: One question.

Naburo: Uhhh... Yes?

Shakiro: Do you enjoy playing good guy, bad guy?

Naburo: (shy) Good guy, bad guy?

Drax begins to smile; it's the most he's heard Naburo speak.

Drax: (to himself) There you go, Naburo, keep talking.

Naburo: (shyly) N-n-no, I've never played that before.

Wish & Solaris: WHAT!? NEVER!?

Naburo: No, is that bad?

Solaris: It's only for the toughest of the tough.

Naburo looks frightened and starts to cry. The other boys notice.

Ongei: Oh no, he's crying.

Heroma: Just wait.

Ongei: Huh?

Ongei looks back at Naburo, who is in tears.

Naburo: I'm sorry; I've never played that before.

Shakiro walks up to Naburo and places his hand on his shoulder.

Naburo: Huh...

Shakiro: Don't worry, I'll teach you.

Naburo begins to wipe his tears.

Naburo: (still tearing up) R-r-really, you'll teach me?

Shakiro: Yes, but it will be challenging, so you mustn't cry. Are you up for it?

Naburo wipes his tears away.

Naburo: Yes, yes, I'm ready!

As the boys prepare to teach Naburo how to play good guy, bad guy, the scene shifts back to The Maivelance Crew. Kono turns around and sees a massive snapping turtle, black and blue, with sharp scales, claws, four eyes, a pointed tail, and a large horn on its head. The turtle raises its claws, ready to strike Kono.

Himitsu: Kono, watch out!

Kono doesn't have enough time to evade the attack, but Daru jumps in and kicks the turtle's head, pushing it back a few feet.

Daru: You need to be aware of your surroundings, Kono. That's how you get killed out here.

Kono: T-thank you for saving me!

Gram and Himitsu were taken aback by Daru's strength.

Himitsu: That was an impressive kick, Daru!

Gram: Yeah, great job saving Kono!

Zodiac: This is merely the beginning; the fight is far from over.

As he spoke, the turtle became enraged, charging at them and knocking down trees one by one. Frightened, Gram hid behind a rock.

Gram: (Yelling) IT CAN RUN!? THERE'S NO WAY I'M FIGHTING THAT THING; YOU'VE GOT ME MESSED UP!

Himitsu: (Yelling) We need to move now!

Kono remained frozen as Himitsu grabbed her hand and ran for cover. As the turtle approached, Daru stood defiantly in front of it, wearing a menacing smile.

Daru: Yes, this is what I want! Show me what you're made of!

While Daru held his ground, Zodiac rushed in front of him and executed a powerful slash at the turtle with his katana, knocking it back. Daru glared at Zodiac.

Daru: Hey, idiot! What do you think you're doing!?

Zodiac: Fighting it, obviously. Now stay out of my way.

Daru: Ugh! I can't stand this guy!

The turtle charged its scales and shot them toward Zodiac. He dodged effortlessly, moving side to side. Just as he was about to strike the turtle's head, Daru unexpectedly pushed Zodiac out of the way, causing him to stumble.

Zodiac: What the!?

Daru: Move out of my way, asshole! He's mine!

As Daru lunged forward, the turtle executed a quick spin with its sharp tail. Daru raised his arms to block the attack, crashing into a tree that broke upon impact. Kono, Himitsu, and Gram watched in amazement at the turtle's strength.

Himitsu: How strong is that creature!? Better yet, what is it?

Gram: WE'RE GOING TO DIE!! IT'S OVER!!! (Tearing up)

Kono: I've never seen a creature like that before. Let's scan it for information!

Kono pulled out her watch, which projected an image. She clicked on the scanner app, activating the camera to analyze the turtle's body and capture every detail. Once the scan was complete, the information appeared.

Gram: (Crying) So, what does it say?

Kono: Apparently, it's called a "Riou Snapping Turtle." It's an extremely rare, territorial beast that only consumes meat. If it spots you, it becomes hostile immediately.

Himitsu wore a blank expression.

Himitsu: Yes, we are all aware that it's hostile, Kono...

Returning to the turtle, it executed a remarkable leap into the air, retracting into its shell and spinning 360 degrees, thereby increasing its speed.

Daru: What in the world!?

The turtle then descended toward Daru, continuing to spin rapidly. Daru grinned wider, standing resolutely.

Daru: COME ON THEN!

Himitsu: Are you out of your mind, Daru!? Get out of the way!

Gram: Aww man, I can't watch this! (Closing his eyes)

As the turtle approached at full speed, it crashed down onto Daru, shattering the ground beneath him and generating a shockwave that compelled Kono, Himitsu, and Gram to shield their faces. Smoke enveloped the area, obscuring their view of Daru. When the smoke dissipated, Daru was seen holding the turtle with both hands, still smiling. Kono and the others stood in disbelief.

Daru: Really? Was that the best you could do?

Daru then delivered a powerful punch to the turtle, sending it soaring back into the air. He leaped after it, but Zodiac appeared, striking Daru back to the ground with his katana.

Daru: Why, you little!?

While still in mid-air, Zodiac swiftly sheathed his katana and drew his dual blades. He hurled them onto the turtle's back and pulled himself onto it. Once Zodiac extracted his blades from the turtle's shell, he launched one into the creature's eyes, causing it to scream in pain and thrash about. Meanwhile, Daru, on the ground, scanned his surroundings and spotted a broken tree.

Daru: I told you to stay out of my way.

He approached the tree, lifted it, and aimed it at Zodiac before launching it. Sensing danger, Zodiac turned just in time to see the tree hurtling toward him. He used sudoshi to vanish, resulting in the tree colliding with the turtle's head. The turtle screamed again as it crashed to the ground, leaving a cloud of smoke in its wake.

Kono: (muttering to himself) Wow, Zodiac and Daru's teamwork is really poor. It was never like this when they fought Ancho.

Zodiac approached Daru, visibly frustrated.

Zodiac: Hey, what's your problem? Are you trying to kill me?

Daru: If a tree can kill you, that's rather pathetic. Besides, I told you to stay out of my way.

Zodiac: Pull that stunt again, and I'll be the one to kill you.

Daru: Then why don't you give it a try?

As they engaged in battle, the turtle rose once more, furious and bleeding, retreating into its shell and spinning rapidly. It launched itself at Daru and Zodiac, devastating trees and plants in its path.

Daru: Now, if you don't mind, I have a turtle to kill.

The turtle barreled toward them, slamming into Daru and propelling him into rocks, plants, and trees. As Daru was pushed back, he moved further away from Kono and the others. He stomped the ground, halting the turtle's movement, and unleashed a flurry of punches, shattering its shell. The turtle, now wounded, opened up and swiped at him with its claws. Daru seized one of the turtle's arms, shouted, and tore it off completely as Zodiac approached, drawing his katana and severing the remaining limbs.

Zodiac: I will finish it off!

Daru: No, it will be me!

Both Zodiac and Daru began attacking the turtle, shoving each other aside. The turtle became overwhelmed and struggled to respond. Just as it appeared on the brink of defeat, Daru and Zodiac launched their final assaults—Daru grasped the turtle by the neck and snapped it, while Zodiac leaped into the air and stabbed down at its head, causing the turtle to collapse lifelessly to the ground. Daru brushed himself off as Zodiac withdrew his katana from the turtle's head and flicked the blood off the blade. A smile spread across Daru's face.

Daru: Looks like I killed it first.

Zodiac: No, I killed it first.

Daru: Are you serious? I snapped its neck before you stabbed it.

Zodiac: How do you know it died from that? It could have still been alive when I delivered the final blow.

As they bickered, Kono and the others rushed over to Daru and Zodiac.

Himitsu: Daru! Zodiac!

Gram: (Exhausted) There you guys are!

Both Daru and Zodiac turned to face them.

Zodiac: Look who finally decided to join us.

Kono: Wow, you guys actually managed to kill that thing!

Daru: Yeah, but it would have been much easier if this fool hadn't interfered.

Zodiac: Yeah, I don't think so, buddy.

Kono: What's up with you two? The first time you fought together, you were so coordinated.

Himitsu: I have to agree; your teamwork was terrible.

Daru: Me? Work with him? Please.

Zodiac: We were never working together in the first place, and I don't plan to start now.

Gram: Come on, guys! Think about all the cool things you can—

Zodiac & Daru: NO!

Gram stops mid-sentence, taken aback.

Kono: Either way, you managed to kill it, and that's good.

Himitsu: Yeah, but what about our mission? We still don't know what we need to do.

Gram: Hey, everyone, the turtle is disappearing!

They all turn to witness the turtle vanishing quickly. Just as it is nearly gone, the horn on its head falls off, and the turtle disappears completely.

Kono: What was that? It dropped its horn.

Kono approaches the horn and picks it up from the ground. As she does, their watches begin to vibrate and emit a sound.

Jumper Watch AI: Mission complete. Please return to The Order of Triumph to claim your reward.

Himitsu: Wait, we completed the mission? How is that possible?

Kono: I don't know; it happened as soon as I picked up the turtle's horn.

Zodiac: That's precisely what triggered it. Let's review the mission details again.

The others pull out their watches, examining the mission details as the remaining information becomes visible.

Daru: "You must defeat a Riou snapping turtle and retrieve its horn."

Gram: So you're telling me it was the turtle all along!

Himitsu: I suppose so, but it doesn't matter; we accomplished our first mission!

Gram: Absolutely!

Gram begins to perform a quirky dance while Daru and Zodiac shake their heads in disapproval.

Zodiac: Embarrassing...

Daru: You all just stood there the entire time; I don't want to hear it.

Gram continues dancing, ignoring Daru, who turns away.

Daru: Idiot.

Kono: So, are we ready to return to the Order?

Himitsu: Yes, but how will we get back?

At that moment, a purple portal appears in front of them. Gram stops dancing to observe it.

Gram: Whoa, where did that portal come from?

Kono: Let's go turn in our mission! (smiling)

Gram & Himitsu: YEAHHH!