[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/7ieqwfU.png[/img][/center]



	Icon watched as S.T.R.I.K.E secured The Outsider in restraints and began loading him into their prisoner transport vehicle. Suddenly, the ground shook as the massive battle tank was split in two and then exploded. The explosion blew out windows in the buildings surrounding the battlefield, and knocked a number of S.T.R.I.K.E. Agents, and heroes off of their feet. 

	[i] Nice job guys.[/i] Icon thought to himself as he gazed upon the wreckage of the alien battle tank. 


	[color=turquoise]"By the Gods...my people did this."[/color] a familiar voice saidas she surveyed the damage, sadness and anger tinged her voice.

	[b] “Flux?”[/b] Icon said as he turned toward his ally. [b] “What do you mean, your people?” Icon asked.

	[color=turquoise]"Like them, I am of Arlaaek."[/color] She said remorsefully. [color=turquoise]"I had heard tales of the ferocity of the Arlaaekan military, but I have never seen it until today. It's...horrifying. "[/color] She said.

	[b] “It is. But now it's time to--”[/b] Icon was suddenly cut off by the shouting of several S.T.R.I.K.E. Agents approaching them, led by yet another familiar face, Marcus Ryder.

	“Icon, step away from the alien, we're taking her into custody.” Ryder ordered the hero. 

	[b] “No, I don't think you are Agent Ryder. She's with us.” [/b] Icon told the agents. 

	“The hell she is, she's one of them. She's coming with us.” Ryder said he stepped toward Icon and Flux. 

	[b] “If you want her, you'll have to go through me.” [/b] Icon said. 

	“That's how you want to play this?” Ryder asked incredulously.

	[b] “It is. So stand down. This is a waste of time, and this war isn't over yet. So we can argue about her fate, which is an argument you won't win, or we can work together to end this thing.” [/b] 

	“Fine. For now, but we WILL continue this conversation later.” Ryder said angrily. 

	[b] “I'll be looking forward to it.” [/b] Icon said as he turned to Flux, [b] “Let's get to work.”[/b] Icon said and with that, he and Flux rejoined the other Guardians near the wreckage of the battle tank.


[center]***[/center]


	The Autocrat sat alone in his quarters aboard the Arlaaekan mother ship. There, he reviewed reports from the battles raging across the planet. For the most part, the Grand Arlaaekan Army had easily overwhelmed the planet's defenses. Just as he expected, total victory was within grasp. However, there had been pockets of resistance which had proven to be troublesome. The cities of Lost Haven and Pacific Point in particular had proven to be more of a problem than has advisors had thought, as well as Paris and London, and then there was the country known as Charonia which also proved to be an issue.

	Suddenly the doors to the Autocrat's chambers slid open, and Admiral Keelan entered. The Autocrat had known the Admiral for years, in fact, it was the Autocrat who hand picked Keelan for this post, and together they had conquered countless worlds. However, as Keelan approached him, the Autocrat noted that there was something different about his Admiral. He seemed less sure than usual, and as he approached he did some pensively. Indeed, the Autocrat knew that the Admiral came bearing bad news. The Autocrat turned his head slightly to meet Keelan's gaze and let out a sigh.

	“What is it Admiral? You look troubled.” The Autcrat said coldly.

	“There have been some...troubling events in the Lost Haven theater.” The Admiral admitted.

	“Go on.” The Autocrat said with a disapproving sigh. 
	
	“The resistance on the ground has taken The Outsider, and destroyed the War Reaper. The forces in Lost Haven have been routed by the so called heroes. Among them, is the Staff-wielder...as well as the fugitive daughter of Arkaaek.”

	“Hmph...interesting.-” The Autocrat grunted as he got to his feet. The towering despot looked down at his Admiral. “Perhaps we have allowed this game to go on too long. Deploy the Purifier, we will burn those who would oppose us from the face of the planet.” 

	“Forgive me, but do you think it's wise to deploy the Purifier in the heart of the conflict?”

	“You worry too much.” The Autocrat said, his tone lightening ever so slightly. “The heroes of this planet have fought valiantly, but The Purifier will be a monument to their greatest failure.” 

[center]***[/center]

	The heroes on the ground gathered near the burning remains of the battle tank, although the tide had seemed to turn in their favor, there was an unsettling silence, almost as if they were waiting for the next shoe to drop. And as if on cue, something entered Earth's atmosphere, a trail of fire followed it as it landed only several blocks away from where they stood. Whatever the object was, the impact caused the ground to shake for several moments.

	“Well, that can't be good.” Radiance said as the they looked in the direction of the impact area. Suddenly there was a loud sound, similar to the sound of a locomotive roaring past. And from the impact site, a single, matte black tower began to rise skyward.  

	“Definitely not good.” Lyger confirmed as they all looked upon the massive tower which now dominated the Lost Haven skyline. 


	[color=turquoise]"On no..."[/color] Flux said almost silently, but even so, Icon could still hear the terror in her voice.

	[b] “Flux? What is that thing?”[/b] 

	[color=turquoise]"That...is the end of the world."[/color]