Dimension shuffler

Finale: Heroes

Things had been quiet since the reunion.

Medusa wasn't easy to track down to begin with, being a ghost, but her lack of activity made it even harder. Since her attack, she had been rather dormant. Perhaps that was for the best, a ghost isn't the easiest to deal with.

Andre had seemingly gone into hiding since the convention, with good reason. He was shunned by the general populous and scientific community for attacking a teen out of jealousy. UNIT had been searching for him afterwards since evidence of Benson's creation may or may not have been sent to them by an 'unknown source.'

Cosmos, too, had vanished. His base was abandoned. Several bits of machinery and, most importantly, his crystal had gone missing since their last encounter. He had clearly been out and about recently but was very clever to remain undetected to Drez's sensors. Citizens had mentioned a creature fitting of Cosmos' description lurking the area but left sight as soon as he entered. It was curious. Cosmos was powerful enough to take all four of them at once, why go to all this trouble to avoid them?

This quiet spell gave time to relax and train. Oddly, Stephen and Drez more so than Paz and Chico.

Stephen was focused on getting to grips with his two new elements.  Each element was powerful and, given time, they also manifested themselves into weapons.

The Light Laser - as Stephen named it -  was a powerful arm cannon capable of many functions such as charge shots, rapid energy blasts and even a whip extension. It wasn't the most conspicuous of weapons and took a while to scale power but its range was unrivalled and its full might was a force to be reckoned with.

The Shadow Sword - Not very inventive, was he? - was a quick and decisive blade that slaughtered foes with ease. It was swift and deadly but very dependent on Stephen's ability to close the gap and required precision . Once close, however, it was good night.

Drez had decided to take a more active role. Sure he was usually the support behind the scenes but he felt he needed to do a little more, just in case. He was getting to better grips with a pistol he created to deal with Nightshade. It had various settings, each one would fire out various energy bullets. Poison, electrical, even miniature black holes (Or so he professed). None were lethal but it was more designed for incapacitation than killing.

Relaxation was boring. Finally, after weeks of waiting, Drez's sensors picked up some unusual activity.

An energy signature. It was familiar yet different. Something slightly more curious was its origin. It was coming from their very location.

A burst of light appeared behind them and in its place stood a figure Stephen knew.

An old, debatably wise man.

"Well done, young ones. You have driven the evil from this land." He began, "Your nemeses have fled to another world."

"YOU have a lot of explaining to do!" Stephen dryly replied, "You dump me in a barren wasteland, ignore multiple kidnappings and fights and then return to congratulate us. I don't think so."

"There is no time to explain."

Paz refuted, "We have nothing to do, there's plenty of-"

"Shush." He hit her on the head with his walking stick, "Never question the elder! Where was I? Enemy fled, no time. Ah yes! You must go now to another world and follow them. You surely will meet new allies and foes but I have confidence in your abilities." He flicked his wrist and opened a portal behind them, "Please go. You are one step closer to fulfilling the prophecy."

"A prophecy not mentioned since, what, chapter 6? Besides, I've heard things..." Stephen replied.

"I said don't question the elder! Go, another dimension awaits."

Stephen turned to the portal and then to his friends, frowning, "Well then. I guess this is goodbye..."

"No." Chico sternly objected, "If you're going, I'm going to. Maybe I'll even find my family."

"If she's going," Paz responded, "You'll both need someone to protect you. I'm in."

All eyes turned to Drez. He smiled, "I didn't train myself with this pistol for nothing, now did I?" Toot (Remember him?) popped out of one of his pockets and whistled as if not wanting to be left behind.

"I must warn you. You may not return here in a long time." The old man warned.

"Then so be it!" Stephen stated with a bout of confidence, "You guys ready?" He was met with assured nods, "Then let's go!"

The four entered the portal and were whisked away to parts unknown, ready for whatever may lie ahead of them...

Mostly, anyway.