Open World: Level Up

I ran back through the portal and smelled smoke. I looked around and everything seemed fine. I walked outside of the Portal Hub and oh… oh…

There was so much smoke from outside the walls…

… Holy and Romero really uh… aren’t holding back are they?

“...Huh…” I managed to say cause…that was a lot of smoke…I flew off after them cause this was a big thing I needed to make sure they wouldn’t accidentally break or burn this entire area down.

I got to the walls edge- SWEET MOTHER!!!

It… it’s just… gone! Glassed to a near reflective slag!

… I uh…

…

This is fine… right?

“Uh…it’s even worse than I thought…” I grumbled.

I think I’ll just leave those two to their… date …

I rushed back home and dropped off the code clone body.

“... Did you gain then get split with another symbiote?” I turned, seeing Micheal walk in eating a fruit salad.

“If you mean the current glassed area, that’s because Romero and Holy are having a date, and two, this is a Code Clone I got from Shift so when I get to sleep here, I take control of this and get to go off on adventures.”

“Oh, that’s useful… Cheerilee’s gonna be mad you’re getting away with being out of the house and in the house.”

“Yes, I know.” I nodded. “And…while I still understand, I need to do something , and this is the closest I can get here.”

“Heh, well as long as you’re still here I’m sure she’ll get over it… speaking of…” He said, looking a bit past me.

I turned, seeing the door to his place with Gallon open, Tulip and Dandelion coloring on the floor. The giant Den Mother Zingre with the mind of a four year old due to… situations.

“...I’d like to say this is adorable…but…” I sighed, knowing the situation behind all of this. “At least they are enjoying each other’s company.”

“I think Tulip adopted her as her ‘Little-Big sister’.” Micheal said, chuckling weakly. “Gallon sure treats her like a kid though, which she is… just a bit… weird. Still an adjustment…”

“We can’t treat her like our daughter…cause…Dandelion is Tony’s daughter no matter what.” I said carefully.

“Yeah but we still have to take care of her, it seems.” Micheal sighed.

“As her uncle I’ll help take care of her.” I said readily.

“Good luck pulling her away from Tulip…”

I sighed. “I’ll make an attempt…” I said, walking over to the two children. “Hello.” I said to the two kids.

“Hi!” Tulip said.

“Hi.” Dandelion said.

“How are you two doing today?”

“Good. Dandelion is fun!” Tulip said.

“Tulip is fun!” Dandelion replied.

“Glad to see you two are having fun.” I said with a smile. “What are you coloring?” I asked, looking down to see if they were just coloring for the sake of it or if they were coloring something specific.

Tulip seemed to be drawing some grassy fields and flowers. Dandelion seemed to be drawing what looked like a stick dog.

“I like what you two are coloring.” I said honestly.

“Thanks! So… who are you again?” Dandelion asked.

“My name's Button, I’m your uncle.” I said to Dandelion.

“Oh. Okay. Why are you so small?”

“Because of certain weird things that happened.” I said honestly.

“Oh. Okay.” She said, back to her drawing.

“And what are you drawing?” I asked, having seen it but I was curious what they thought.

“I’m drawing the garden.” Tulip said.

“And I’m drawing daddy!” Dandelion said.

I looked back at the stick figure dog. Heh… I guess she hasn’t… seen Tony yet. I know she met Tina though.

“Well, your dad is a big doggo that’s for sure.” I admitted. “Like your auntie Tina.”

“Yeah. She said he looks like her, but a boy… I don’t know though.”

“What don’t you know?” I inquired.

“What he really looks like.”

“I understand, and believe me when I say that you will meet him one day.” I said softly.

“Okay.” She said, going back to drawing.

I sighed…

I gave her a pat on the head and went back to my livingroom. She’s happy now… that’s all that matters.

“So, guess for now she’s good as she is?” Micheal asked me as I walked back into my livingroom.

“For now she’s good.” I sighed. “Just…wish there was a way for her to get into contact with Tony…”

“In time. So, should I go fetch Gallon and Tina to get Code Clones and head off on these special quests?” Micheal asked.

“Of course.” I nodded. “Will help us out a lot in the long run.”

“Right. Well this will be fun.”

“Well, that’s weird.” Gallon said as he woke up in his Code Clone body.

“Kind of feels like when you go to sleep them immediately wake up, but minus the tiredness.” Tina added.

“Well, we got a ship and time to head out.” Micheal added.

“Yeah, and from what I was told is that the ship’s are in the upper atmosphere.” I said, having been given a bit of briefing on the quest Alchem and company started.

“Alright then.” Micheal nodded.

As we sailed the ship up I got a loot at the extent of the damage Holy and Romero caused…

…

…

…

It was a lot… and I’m pretty sure it was Romero who glassed in the phrase ‘The Cake Is A Lie’ into the ground.

…

I hate how outclassed I feel looking at that…

I clenched my fists. “I really need to stop being outclassed…” I growled.

“Is there anything you won’t get angry over?” Tina asked.

“There are a lot of things that I won’t get angry over.” I stated. “My children being a massive thing I don’t get angry over.”

“Unless they tease the shit out of you.” Gallon chuckled.

“That’s different.” I huffed. “I don’t get angry at their teasing, just mildly upset.”

“You chased them around the house threatening grounding for ten years for the April First pranks they bombarded you with…” Tina reminded.

“That was a solid four hours of April fools nonsense, why wouldn’t I get mad?” I frowned. “Had to clean my feathers for a week …” I grumbled.

“Well, how long til we get to the upper atmosphere?” Gallon asked.

“Few more minutes, after that the Ship will scan out for Gravity Anomalies that the Welcoming Committee ships give off.” Micheal answered.

“Cool.” I nodded. “Then with this, we can start doing actual communication and have full access to the internet.”

“Well, communications. According to Holy, off planet Internet is still a no go.” Micheal sighed.

“Ah boo.” I frowned. “At least communications will be up.”

“If this is following RPG logic like I think, once every last Welcoming Committee ship is shut down, it should likely activate another quest that will disable to no off planet communications thing.” Gallon hummed.

“That would make the most sense.” Tina nodded.

“And while we all can…all the Chaos Guilds also can.” I pointed out. “Which can be a massive bad thing.”

“Assuming we’ll be allowed to…” Michal huffed.

“How so?” Tina asked.

“This biggest issue with freeing the people stuck on Armageddon is the Chaos Guilds. They’re basically largely stuck here, making this a natural prison for them… but if we unlock the doors keeping them stuck, and word off world gets out, do you think people will just openly let ships fly off planet without issue?”

“The Family will allow it cause this is Dark Grays ‘response’ to the quest finishing…” I sighed.

“The Family and The People aren’t the same thing.”

“True…but it’s just one of those things to worry about.” I sighed. “Just hope it doesn’t go as wrong as I think it will…”

The fly up to the upper atmosphere was fairly quiet. The wait to find the ship was filled with small talk and some time killers.

The ship eventually picked up on the gravitational anomaly and we sailed up to it, finding and loading it into our ship’s docking station where once it was in, the camouflage turned off and we were able to enter it.

As Holy said, empty, unmanned, and there was an old TV with a VHS tape sitting on top of it. The tape said ‘Play Me’.

“Alright, let's see what's in store for us.” I said, taking the tape and putting it into the VHS.

I put the tape in and a man appeared on screen. He looked kind of like a teenager, maybe seventeen or so, wearing a simple red hoodie and ripped jeans. His hair and eyes were both a metallic dark gray color and his skin was a dark tan color.

“Hello, I’m Gravel, son of All Makers Pecator and Gray, and you four. Button Mash, Tina, Gallon, and Micheal.”

…

“...Time Walker bullshit…” I frowned, given I dated a Time Walker this was the closest explanation I had. “Also, Gray, or Dark Gray?”

“Gray, if it was Dark Gray I’d specify. By this point you must already know this is how you start the Free Speech Quest and all that stuff.”

“Yes, and I believe next would be the hint for the area’s Main Quest.” I said, having a feeling he is genuinely listening in through his powers or taking educated guesses.

“Yes yes, I’ll get to that but first I’ll need to speak to each of you alone.”

“Well that’s… ugh, this gives me a headache…” Micheal huffed.

“We’ll leave it to you first Button.” Tina said as she, Gallon and Micheal left the room.

“Well now that we’re alone, Button Mash. The one so far behind in so much you can’t stand it.”

“Yes…because I made a dumb decision thinking it would help, I’m so far behind on everything it is physically painful…”

“Yes, and given what you’ll be up against it won’t be easy dealing with what will be coming. So I’ll be offering some help. Something you can utilize, if you’re strong enough. It will just come at one simple cost.”

“And what’s the cost?” I asked, glaring at Gravel cause I’ve already paid enough for these assholes and they want more?

“That in your body that will stay with your family and home, you do just that, stay with them. Don’t leave unless you absolutely have to. Other than that, what I’ll be giving you, it will only affect your Code Clone body, and is compatible with the Estate Title, but it is something all its own. It will help you grow stronger and guide you as your other Code Clone body ventures through Armageddon. I’ll offer it to your allies as well, but it’s an offer you can refuse. Do you still want it?”

“...So it’s just…I spend time with my family unless stated otherwise?” I asked.

“That is what I said.”

I sighed. “Alright…” I said, as again this feels like a ‘stay home and let the adults figure this out’ kind of thing but I might as well play along.

“Alright then!” Gravel said, clapping his hands.

[Notice! You have begun the quest, Free Speech!

• Locate and destroy each zones Welcoming Committee ships.
• (Optional) Copy each ships data for map location data and geographic data.

Notice! You have gained the Title, Player!]

“Player huh?” I hummed, looking up the Title and what it did. “That is an interesting title…”

[Title: Player - You will be given mandatory daily missions and specially generated quests to complete. Failure to complete these quests will result in an appropriate penalty. Success in completing these quests will result in rewards!]

Hmm, interesting…

Huh?

[Player Title Daily Quest!

• Run 100 Kilometers. (0/100)
• Do 100 Push Ups. (0/100)
• Do 100 Sit Ups. (0/100)
• Do 100 Squats. (0/100)

Rewards: Loot Box!

Failure to Complete: Appropriate Penalty.]

“...The hell would be an ‘appropriate penalty’ for basic exercise?” I asked in confusion.

“That’s a little surprise.” Gravel said. “Now then, the hint for the Main Quest of the Infection Zone. ‘To create the safest place from the undead, one must learn from history of the former safest place. Pick its ruins and learn what to do’.”

“...So just got to find the Last Bastion as it were and see how it all worked…” I said, naming it ‘Last Bastion’ given…well, it was the ‘safest place’. “It…should probably be easy to find with the Foundation’s help…” I hummed, thinking about where it would be.

“Well, now bring in the next one.” Gravel said.

I nodded. Hm, guess I can get to work on the sit ups, Push Ups and Squats. I can do the Run later. I’ve gone that distance and then some easy back when I fist came here so this shouldn’t take too long.

Tina’s POV.

I walked into the room after Button was done, walking up and sitting in front of the TV to get the best look at Gravel on screen.

“Ah Tina, the girl who lost it all and wants more than anything to make things right.”

“Glad to know you understand where I’m coming from…” I sighed. “So, what do you want?”

“Personally? A good milkshake and some jerky but that’s not what this is about. I’m going to tell you something, something you will need to listen to and remember.” Gravel said, making me raise a brow. “Tina, your family, your kids, Fluttershy, Pinkie and all them are here and are still alive and well.”

“Where are they!?” I asked quickly, hoping to find them and hoping they were safe and sound and not ‘alive and well’ like how Dandelion ‘was’...

“I’m afraid I can’t give details. I will say however they are not in the Infection Zone. No, the Zone they are in is a place where the soul is the currency. If you wish to find them, be strong enough to find them, I offer you the same power I gave Button. All I ask is that your Code Clone body ventures and explores, but your other body stays home to be a mother to your other kids, or father depending given… you, aunt to your brother’s kids. You can refuse this, but that is up to you.”

“Well, that’s why we got these Code Clones to begin with.” I admitted. “And Soul’s for currency…either some weird Warlock/Demon place or Dark Souls…”

“Well if that’s your answer then, here you go.” Gravel said, clapping his hands.

[Notice! You have begun the quest, Free Speech!

• Locate and destroy each zones Welcoming Committee ships.
• (Optional) Copy each ships data for map location data and geographic data.

Notice! You have gained the Title, Player!]

“Player?” I raised an eyebrow, looking into the specific title. “Huh, that is a bit interesting.” I hummed at seeing what it did. “Alright…what quest do I have…”

[Title: Player - You will be given mandatory daily missions and specially generated quests to complete. Failure to complete these quests will result in an appropriate penalty. Success in completing these quests will result in rewards!

Player Title Daily Quest!

• Run 100 Kilometers. (0/100)
• Do 100 Push Ups. (0/100)
• Do 100 Sit Ups. (0/100)
• Do 100 Squats. (0/100)

Rewards: Loot Box!

Failure to Complete: Appropriate Penalty.]

“...So we doing a Saitama thing here or what?” I asked, finding the ‘do a hundred of’ thing rather specific.

“Cute but be sure you do the daily quests. Next person!”

I shrugged, getting up and heading out.

Button’s POV

Micheal and Gallon went in for their talk, together as usual.

“So, how far along on the exercise thing are you?” Tina asked as she walked next to me.

I was doing push ups. So far, 42/100.

“Forty two push ups.” I answered. “This is still weird…wonder why we really got Player…”

“No idea, but we get loot boxes so, might get something fun out of them.” Tina shrugged, getting down and starting her own pushups next to me. “... He told me my kids and family from before are here, not in this zone, but here.”

“That good, did he give you a hint on where they are?”

“He said where the soul is currency, so likely some Dark Souls based zone I guess.”

“Hmm, we should look into that.” I said readily. “I was also told the hint to the Main Quest of this Area, which is basically we need to find the ‘previous safest place’ and look into what made it safe and then…not so safe.”

“Hm, interesting. Well, guess we got a lot of work ahead of us. Wonder what Micheal and Gallon are being told?”

“Maybe something equally as important? I know they're probably getting Player but I’m sure they might tell us when they come out.”

“Probably. So, what do you think the Loot Boxes give?” Tina asked as, if I counted right, she just finished twenty pushups. I’m already in the sixties.

“Could be anything from something really cool, to some stupid ‘congrats’ slip.” I rolled my eyes.

“That would suck if it can give duds.” Tina sighed.

“That’s the pain of Loot boxes.” I sighed.

As Tina and I did the push ups, I finished mine and began on the curl ups as she was wrapping her push ups, well, up.

It was around then that Micheal and Gallon walked back in. They both looked a bit uneasy.

“What up?” I inquired. “Did Gravel tell you something concerning?” I asked, concerned about their unease.

“More like… confirming something we suspected.” Micheal said. “Remember the talks with my dad, and suspecting that something was influencing him and my mom when they kicked me out and… all that?”

“Did he tell you who did it?” I inquired.

“No, but he said they’re here on Armageddon now.” Gallon said. “And that we’ve actually met them already, but they had a different face back then…”

“Well that’s unsettling…” Tina said.

“Yeah…” Micheal nodded. “I asked them why, if they knew why, and he just said ‘She needed me around to help Gallon’.”

“Do you have anyone in mind that would do that?” I asked, as they said they technically met the person.

“Not really?” Micheal said. “The only person that came to mind was Lyn but that’s impossible…”

“Considering what we know now, why would it be impossible?” I asked.

“Well, because Lyn was a… split personality.” Gallon said. “Back home, there was this girl, Evelyn, Evy for short, she was about fourteen after the event and we were all let out. She gained the power to read Auras to predict things, but she also gained a Split Personality we called Lyn. She didn’t speak, maybe couldn't, but she could read and write and helped us… first time we met she took one of Micheal’s notebooks, wrote down building numbers and other numbers that ended up being passcodes to electronic locks we came across. Each one worked without issue.”

“We figured, maybe she was just using Evy’s Powers, same body and all, but something about Lyn always felt like she knew something. She knew my and Gallon’s names before we told her, mouthing them as if asking us if we were, well, us.” Micheal said with a shrug. “Last time I saw her, Evy was an adult, pregnant and she was pushing Gallon to have some of his blood stored away for medical reasons.”

“She actually met with me before I rushed into Hulda… she tried to stop me.” Gallon added. “I told no one what I was doing but she was there right before I crossed the border…”

“Are you sure she wasn’t possessed at that point considering what your worlds like?” I asked, cause a lot of that didn’t really… sound like a split personality.

“The paranormal and Ghosts were… a rather unexplored field given any magic dealing with the Souls or the After… whatever was considered Taboo. And past attempts to learn usually ended… badly…” Gallon said.

“Right…so it’s not completely out of the question, cause as far as I’ve learned with Nokori fusion is that it affects the soul, and split personalities aren’t really soul based.”

“Well, did he tell you where they are?” Tina asked.

“Something about souls being currency.” Micheal said.

“Huh, that’s weird, Tina said that’s where Gravel said her family was.” I hummed. “So I guess we just have to figure out if it’s Dark Souls 1, 2 or 3.”

“Well, does it matter? They’d all be in the same Zone.” Gallon said.

“Good point.” Tina nodded. “Did you two also get the Player Title?”

“Yeah, we accepted it… he also said my mom is still here in the Infection Zone.” Micheal said.

“So we’ve got to look around the Infection Zone for her, search for the ‘Last Bastion’ as I’m going to refer to it, and also make our way to whatever Dark Soul’s area is around…feck.” I sighed.

“In short, we’ll be busy.” Gallon said. “FIrst is finding Micheal’s mom though. Gravel said she’s kept where his dad escaped.”

“And that depends where he escaped cause he just kinda plopped out of our Mob Farm.” I pointed out.

“New Foundation looked all around that area for miles… unless… he was in a pocket dimension…” Tina hummed.

“Which would…make some sense.” I said. “Maybe…they were held by this ‘Lady Fate’ person Holy mentioned as a major threat.”

“If she is… then how do we deal with it?” Micheal asked.

“We break fate?” I suggested. “If Fate themselves is holding them hostage, we do something that would cause either them to open a door to their realm, or we break it open like a window.”

“Well, guess that’s what we have to do then.” Micheal nodded. “Let’s get these Daily Quests out of the way and see what’s next.”

With that, we all began the Daily Quests. The one we all did last was the running. Tina and I tied with Micheal and Gallon finishing shortly after.

We all got a notification, finishing the Daily Quest granted us each a Loot Box.

They were small things, fitting in the palm of our hands with ribbons.

“Alright, time to see what our ‘loot box’ gives us.” I said while opening up mine.

I undid the ribbon, the box opened and faded into light. At first I thought it was a dud until I got the notification.

[Rewards!

• 1 Full Recovery
• 10 Apples of Eden
• 1 Mythril Stone]

“Well…it’s not garbage, so there’s that.” I said honestly.

“What you get?” Tina asked.

“A Full Recovery, ten Apples of Eden, and one Mythril Stone.” I answered.

“Okay… what are Apples of Eden and what do they do? Aside I assume kick you out of paradise?” Gallon asked.

Hm…

[Apples of Eden: An S Class food item! Consuming this will increase your max MP and HP by x2 the current amount.]

… Oh… Oh that is useful…

“So…if we eat these, it doubles our HP and MP by the current amount…permanently.” I said.

“... Well no wonder Adam and Eve got kicked out…” Gallon said, earning a chuckle from Micheal.

“Well let me see…” Tina said as she opened hers. “Alright. I got two S Class Antidotes, one S class Meal Bar, and three B Class Healing Potions.” She said.

“Well, those can be useful.” I admitted.

“Alright, me next.” Gallon said, opening his next. “Okay I got… oh, oh yes !” He giggled gleefully. “A full recovery, a Stamina Recovery potion, rank A, and a Staff of Sorcery!” He said, pulling said staff out. It was impressive, wood and mythril metal woven into a staff that held a gem of pure crystalized mana atop it. “Oh so beautiful!”

“And now you have a proper replacement for the one you lost back home.” Micheal said.

“Neat.” I nodded. “That’s gonna help you out a lot.”

“Alright. Now my turn.” Micheal said as he opened his loot box. “Okay I got… a Hidden Dungeon Key… A… Stat Multiplier… and a Magic Compass…”

“Huh, well, what are the dungeon key and compass for, and how big is the stat multiplier?”

“Dungeon Key says it grants access to a Hidden Dungeon, just use it on an entrance way. THe magic Compass will… lead me to whatever I wish to find… and the Stat Multiplier… it’s F rank, but will multiply wither Combat or Physical Stats by times five. It also says if used on Physical Stats the multiplier won’t affect Combat Stats.”

“Well, the multiplier might not, but the increased Physical will still affect the Combat.” I pointed out. “And let’s test out the Hidden Dungeon key before we figure out why you have Jack Sparrow’s lucky compass.”

“Says the stats change won’t affect Combat.” Micheal clarified.

“Well then just use it on Combat cause it would be useless otherwise.” I said.

“Guess so.” Gallon shrugged.

“Still, an item like that only being F Rank?” Tina wondered.

“Well, either way… trade you six of those apples for it Button. You’re the one that wants to be stronger for everyone. The one that needs it more.” Micheal said, pulling it from his Assistant. It looked like a gold coin with a big X5 on it.

“Huh, neat.” I nodded, pulling out the six apples and handed it to Micheal for the coin.

He gave me the coin and then gave three of the apples to Gallon.

“Well, guess now we start looking.” Gallon said.

“Yeah…” Micheal said, pulling out that compass. “... Where’s my mother…”

I peeked, seeing the needle spin around for a bit until it pointed West.

“West it is.” I nodded.

“I’ll set the course.” Tina said as she started the ship.

I sat in the main bay with Micheal and Gallon, the two were eating the apples and waited.

“So…what was your mother like?”

“... Heh. Mom was emotional.” Micheal said with a small chuckle. “Anything remotely sad would bring her to tears. Couldn’t watch a movie with a sad scene in it without her crying for at least five minutes. But she cared. She was such… a caring person. If you were sick or hurt she’d drop everything to help you, make huge pots of soup and meal prep, deep clean your house… made the whole thing with getting kicked out hurt more since…. She was never like that… She was crying the whole time it just…”

“Well, we know she was possessed somehow.” I admitted. “But…now I’m concerned if…she’ll also be stuck in a weird torture suit…”

“Given none of the games… and I did research… touch on what happened with… my mom… I… don’t know. I hope not.”

“Some people think the Ballerina was some weird attempt to be some semblance of her but…hopefully I’m wrong.” I said carefully.

“I’d rather not think about it…” Micheal sighed.

“Well… what would she think about me?” Gallon asked.

“Pfft. She’d adore you, and if she could, swarm you with my various childhood and baby photos… She always wished I could have had siblings but… there were complications when I was born and… well, she couldn’t anymore, after me.”

“I’m sure we would all enjoy seeing your baby pictures there, Micheal.” I chuckled.

“Yeah yeah.” He said, waving me off. “... I just hope she’s alright…”

“There is no ‘fate’ for your mother…unless…” I said carefully.

“... I'd rather not think of it.” Micheal said.

Gallon patted his back gently. “We'll find her… and save her.”

“Yeah… but, just in case…” He sighed. “I'm gonna reactivate Final Thanks.”

“Need me to do our previous thing?” I asked, pulling out a knife and ready to give him my power.

“It’s just in case. For now, we go there as normal.”

“Yeah, just as normal.” I nodded. “Let’s hope it is just normal…”

The fly there was pretty slow. It was far away and ended up taking us a day to get there.

I have to admit, it felt nice to go to sleep on a ship heading to the unknown and wake up with my partners and lovers.

That day was mostly spent trying to follow the schedule Cheerilee gave me, ensuring I didn't miss out on important things with my kids.

Needless to say, I was kept busy.

The next night we awoke in the Code Clones and we're only a few more hours from our destination if the Compass is accurate, and it should be.

“Just a few more hours…” I said carefully, looking out the window to see the ground below us trailing by.

“What do you think we'll find?” Gallon asked.

“Either we’ll find her safe and sound, we’ll see her in a bad situation…or we find Micheal has some new siblings in bad situations.” I admitted.

“... Thank you once again for the stress and mental panic Button…” Micheal said.

“Whenever you need a Panic, the Button is right here.” I said with a smug grin at everyone’s groan.

“You are banned from dad jokes.” Tina groaned, putting her muzzle in her hands in embarrassment.

“Nevah!” I said playfully.

“... What did your dad say?” Gallon asked.

“... He wished me luck in finding her… and hoped she'd not be in pain like he was.” Micheal said.

“We’ll make sure she isn’t in any pain, I promise.” I stated.

We soon arrived at the place.

It was a large hotel of sorts, the compass leading us into it and towards a wall. A wall where a familiar black sludge of corrosion stained it.

Shit… Fate has her own SCP 106…

“Fu~ck…it’s 106…” I groaned and rubbed my temple.

“Yeah, of course we have to deal with the Old Man…” Tina grumbled.

“Don't you have one of those though?” Gallon asked.

… Fuck I forgot about Dug!

“...See…this is why I hate being given a lot to worry about, and then be treated like a child when I try to actually take care of the lot of things.” I frowned, rubbing my temples. “Damn it…I have so many apologies to give Dug and so many sweets to give him…”

“How did you know Button had a 106? I didn't know that.” Tina asked.

“Saw him with Jada once. One heart attack later, saw he was cool and then maybe drank a bit to… process the fact such a horror exists as a pet in the house.” Gallon said.

… Actually I'm surprised Jada was taking care of him.

“I’m…at least glad Jada has been hanging out with him…” I said. “Dug?” I called out.

In an instant, the same sludge of decay appeared from the floor and Dug popped his head out.

Tina jumped. Micheal yelped and Gallon took a step back in surprise.

Dug looked up at me with a happy, toothless, slightly decayed expression that would be cute had he not looked like the living embodiment of rot and decay he is.

I didn’t care if this would hurt but I gave Dug a hug. “I am so sorry Dug, I swear I’ve just been so busy and have so many things to worry about…” I said to the poor guy.

He didn't seem to mind, and hugged me back. It didn't hurt, and I remembered he was a Violence Guild Failure. He can't produce the sludge to harm. For his portals, yes, but not to harm. Nor was he ever violent or hostile.

“I’m glad you're okay Dug…I’m sorry my promise is taking a while, but I will get someone to help you in some way.” I said readily, even if it wasn’t a full reversion, at least getting him to talk or fixing his arms would be way better for him.

“... Not to… ruin the uh, moment but um… Dug…” Gallon spoke up. “Can you by chance… open that… sludge into… that 106 portal?”

Dug looked at the wall with the familiar sludge. He pulled himself out of his own and walked up to it, tapping it a few times.

“Think he’ll answer?” I asked, thinking Dug was knocking on it like a door.

Instantly another arm shot out, this one dripping with the decaying sludge as it choked Dug.

Slipping out from the wall sludge was a genuine, violent, hostile, and deadly 106. A broken yet sadistic grin as it looked at Dug’s panic.

Before I could react to help, Dug latched onto the 106’s arm and pulled, the two falling into Dug’s portal and vanishing as it closed, leaving his harmless sludge.

“Dug!” I yelped in panic. “Damn it damn it damn it…” I muttered repeatedly as I put a hand to the portal and tried to do something to save him…

“There's nothing we can do.” Tina said, putting a hand to the 106 wall sludge and it went in. “The other one left his portal open. We get in, get Micheal's mother then get out and hope Dug is alright when we get back.”

“Alright.” I sighed, looking towards the old man’s portal. “Let’s just…be careful still.” I said carefully.

We got in, the portal hurt as that sludge burned but was quickly shaken off.

This 106 pocket dimension was different from Dug’s. This one was full of old stone, all soaked in its decaying sludge and I could see bars of rusty metal here and there.

And the screaming.

There was so. Much. Screaming. It came from both everywhere and nowhere.

This was both a prison and torture dungeon.

“We gotta get as many people out of here as possible.” I said carefully. “Just need to figure out how to get through this place…”

“I know where mom is at least.” Micheal said, holding the compass in his hand. “This way.” He said and began moving forward.

We followed.

We passed many cells, most the people inside were in conditions that, I'd be lying if I said I didn't taste bile in the back of my throat repeatedly.

Micheal kept moving despite it all.

After some navigating, we came up to a cell, it was from the outside like any other, but inside was a woman. She was curled up into herself as tight as humanly possible. On the floor nearby was a body. A body of a young adult human, messy brown hair, thin body frame, and pale and cold. A corpse.

“... Is that…?” Gallon asked.

“How I was when I was human… been a while since I saw that face…” Micheal said.

“Ma’am?” I asked softly, hoping to catch her attention.

She didn't respond. Just kept crying.

“Rip the bars off Tina.” Micheal said.

“With pleasure.” Tina said, gripping the rusty metal and with a heave, ripped the metal out of the stone.

As Tina tossed them aside Micheal ran up to his mother, sure to block his mother's view of his corpse copy.

“Mom.” Micheal said, softly as he put a hand to her shoulder gently.

Her sobs stopped. The dead silence was almost louder than the cries of the other prisoners. Slowly, she looked up. Her skin while fair was freckled with a very light tan. Her brown eyes spotted Micheal and for a moment sadness, misery and grief was replaced by confusion.

“... Micheal…?” She asked, a shaky hand reaching to her son's now fuzzy cheek.

“Yeah… it's a… long story-” Was all Micheal got before his mother hugged him. Hugged him tight and refused to let go.

I smiled softly, glad to see she is at least okay. “Glad to see your okay ma’am.”

It took a while, but once Micheal's mom was good and ready to stand, we got to work freeing all the prisoners we could find. Many were possibly insane or were not aware of what was happening.

As I turned the corner I suddenly felt off…

The blood spewed out my mouth thick and heavy. Pain flooding my torso as I fell. It was like my I sides exploded and I did not feel the burn from my regeneration.

“Button!” Tina yelled as she got near me. Her eyes flashed red before she collapsed with sparks flying from her more mechanical joints and parts.

“I don't tolerate intruders…” I managed to look up and over, seeing a woman walking up towards us, a book open and held firmly in one hand. In the other, a pen. Lady Fate! She looked back to her book. “The pain, flooding the Nokori Phoenixes body was agony. His nerves shot as, his regeneration failed. Hell would only-”

BANG!

The bullet hit Lady Fate in the shoulder. Gold and black blood shot out from the injury as she yelled, her shot arm falling limply and dropping her pen.

“I will always be ready to shoot a bitch!” Gallon yelled, shooting off another round from the Bloody Blaster gun he used.

Lady Fate bolted.

“Shit!” Micheal yelped as he rushed up to me.

Thankfully, the familiar burn of my regeneration hit me almost immediately after Gallon shot her and Tina pulled herself back up.

“The fuck just happened?” Tina asked.

“After that whore!” I shouted. “You can't run from me Fate! You will burn !” I growled, angered by the amount of pain I was in just a moment ago and how she fucking monologued about it…

I turned the corner she ran down, only to be punched by a rotten hand that left behind a horrid burning sensation across my muzzle. Her 106 pet was back and gleefully began digging those fingers into my flesh and bone.

I yelled but blasted magma at the bastard, making it jump back before the whole of the dimension began to twist and alter.

The sudden light blinded me for a moment as we were now back outside the Hotel. Tina, Gallon, Micheal, Micheal's mom, and the others we managed to save were all here.

Bitch escaped…

“Damn it…” I growled.

“At least we know the bitch bleeds.” Tina admitted.

“Yeah I wasn't expecting that to work.” Gallon said.

“Either way, we got people out of that hell, and we got this.” Micheal said, holding the pen Lady Fate dropped.

“Is it actually useful?” Tina asked.

“It's a named legendary SSS Class item according to the Assistant.”

“So unless she can remake it, her power is diminished heavily.” I said readily.

“Think we can make it work for us?” Tina asked.

“No idea, but hey, it's a win for us.” Micheal shrugged.

“A major win if it weakened one of our bigger enemies.”

We immediately brought everyone back home through the Frontier Portal in the ship. With that done we began to do regular missions. The daily quests from the Player Title were a bit annoying but able to be done fast.

Tina wondered what the ‘appropriate penalty’ was. So, she waited it out. When the timer ran out, she suddenly vanished.

Four hours later she reappeared tired, covered in blood, a mix of her own and some beast, and called the Penalty absolutely bullshit.

Other than that, the stuff at home was becoming routine. Being able to be out and do something and be home for my family has done wonders for my familial relationships.

My egg with Barb hatched. The purple and reddish brown four winged hybrid was adorable. We named him Lava.

“Well, someone's in a good mood~” Ginger said as he kissed my cheek and held me close. “You normally don't do the submissive fun unless you're in a good mood~”

“Because I am, given the new Code Clone stuff I'm able to do things I want to do while staying here with family.” I said honestly, cuddling up to Ginger happily id.

“Heh, happy you sure is friskey~” He cooed, kissing my lips as I kissed him back.

“Well, happy me sure does enjoy to share it.” I giggled happily.

“I am glad you feel happiness in your life, love.”

“Ye!” I said. “So many things are…actually going my way for once and I’m excited about it.”

“And in a few more months…” Ginger said, gently turning me around and wrapping arms around my belly. “All I want to know is, would you like another once this one is born Love?”

“I would love to have another.” I said with a smile.

“Then I best be there after the birth of I wish to beat Tina to it.” He said.

I went crimson. Tina has also been… very active with me… and Cheat… that super hot bat lady… and I've been thinking when Tony comes back… maybe take a swing at Alchem…

“Yeah…there’s a few people that are waiting in line now that I think about it…” I admitted.

“And they can keep waiting~” He whispered into my ear.

My time with Ginger in Little Leto was always relaxing. Especially now that, before I leave, I make it a habit to buy a cold brew iced tea, and do some book shopping before I leave, now that I do have time to read. Yeesh, almost feels like I haven't read a book in years, now I'm trying to catch up and read series I'm discovering.

When I got back home I was greeted by an unexpected sight. The living room was flooded with various sweets and candies, the kids all taking their picks and Dandelion, Tulip and Armageddon were munching away happily in the middle of it all.

“Uh…what's going on here?” I asked.

“Armageddon made a friend.” Tulip said.

“And he gave me all this!” Armageddon said happily.

“Who's your new friend that just handed you a small lakes worth of candy?” I asked.

“I dunno. I just met him today.”

“Okay…who is this person?” I repeated. “Like their name or what the looked like?”

“They have a mask that is just plain wood and they wear a red hoodie and they seem sleepy all the time and he runs a store in the closet.”

… What?

“Uh…can you introduce me to him?”

“No. He said he doesn't want visitors too often. I can see about next week though.”

“Alright.” I nodded. “And…how did you meet this person?”

“I was playing with Tulip and Dandelion and we were playing hide and seek and I wanted to hide in the closet but it was locked and I remember I had a key and I used it and it opened and then I was in a store and that guy was there.”

I blinked.

“Huh…that’s…definitely something.”

I grabbed some candy and sweets for myself before heading to the bedroom where I saw Yuri at his desk, Cheat on the bed and Cheerilee writing in a notebook.

“Sup.” I said to the three.

“Hey Button.” Cheat said from the bed.

“Hi.” Cheerilee said.

“Yo.” Yuri said.

“How we all doing?” I asked, moving over to the bed and sat down and started to eat some of the sweets I took.

“Writing a list of items for Yuri to make.” Cheerilee said.

“Waiting for said item list.” Yuri said.

“Sleepy.” Cheat answered.

“So do any of you know who this mystery shopkeep Armageddon met?” I asked, lightly rubbing Cheats head like she was a sleepy cat.

“Nope.” All three answered.

“Okay, gonna have to ask cause…Armageddon got a bunch of sweets for free somehow.”

“Weird.” Cheat hummed. “Maybe he stole them?”

“Kids too pure to steal, plus he said he was given them by said masked shopkeeper.” I said.

“They weaponized their adorableness and used it to get themselves free candy.” Cheat said with a small laugh.

“Did they say anything of note about how they found this mystery person?” Yuri asked.

“Armageddon said that he was playing hide and seek, then used the Heaven’s Quest Key to try and unlock a closet door.” I answered.

“... Well, that might explain it then…”

“So it can open more than just the gates of Heaven?” Cheerilee asked. “But why to a random store that gave him free stuff?”

“I have no idea, I’ll try to see who this person is next week cause Armageddon said that the shop owner doesn’t like too many visitors.” I said honestly.

“Huh… Well, alright.”

So… Um… what?

The week went by fast and I was now with Armageddon. He put the key to a closet door and it opened to… a convenience store.

Something about this feels… familiar…

Then I remembered.

“Hey Button-” Tina walked over, and at seeing the open door froze stiff.

“Hey Tina…isn’t this that one store you mentioned a while ago?” I asked, motioning to the convenience store.

She walked inside, saying nothing as she did. She looked down at the sleeping hooded man at the counter.

“... Shopkeeper?” She asked.

He groaned, looking up. “Oh hey… Tiffany… no wait… Tina. Long time no see.” He said with a yawn.

“You two know each other?” I asked in surprise.

“... He was the one giving out quests and such back home to take out the monsters and…” Tina said.

“Yeah. Shit that was what… few hundred years already, at least on my end.” Shopkeeper said with a shrug.

“Hundred years?” I asked worriedly. “That’s surprising…”

“Yeah well, that’s old news, old work.”

“And the current work is…what? Giving Armageddon free stuff?” I asked.

“And the other holders of the Keys to Heaven's Gates.” He said. “Within reason anyway.”

“I suppose the ‘within reason’ is not buying anything really big or asking something important?” I asked.

“Yeah, I doubt the kids could ask for unlimited power or where the key goes.” Tina admitted.

“Why would a child ever ask for such things?” Shopkeeper asked us.

“They saw Alladdin and thought ‘unlimited cosmic power’ was awesome?” I suggested.

“The key has to go somewhere, kids would want to know what it goes to.” Tina added.

“They know where it goes, it goes to a lock. Seven locks, seven keys, one gate, and what it holds behind it.” Shopkeeper said, holding out a hand as a can of soda flew from the nearby fridge and to his hand. He then opened and began drinking it.

“Fair.” I nodded.

“But I see you're as tired as ever, not enough business or just not wanting to do things?” Tina inquired.

“Business is always good, though I just don’t have the usual brand of customers in these parts. No, my brand of customers here usually pay with actions over currency.” Shopkeeper said simply as he laid back in his chair. “Not that I need the money anyway.”

“True enough.” Tina nodded.

“So what do you sell?” I asked, given this was the first time I’m here.

“Yes.” Shopkeeper said.

“Huh, cool.” I said, thinking about what I could buy given I’m here.

“So, do you just give the kids here stuff or anyone?” Tina asked.

“I’ll give the ones with the keys whatever they ask within reason, or whatever they need. You two on the other hand do not have the privilege.” Shopkeeper stated.

“That’s fair.” I nodded. “Hmm…considering you said anything …do you happen to have one of those ‘Loot Spawn tickets’ I heard a long time ago?” I asked, remembering that there was this one turbo rare item that basically let you go into a pocket dimension and you had like…ten minutes to grab whatever the hell you can?

“... Something like that.” He said, snapping his fingers. The convenience store around us vanished, replaces by endless buildings and shelves and items all over in excess and just flying piles of stuff ranging from food to weapons to armor to… everything …

…

“...Midas would have a fit when he sees this…” I said, thinking about the leader of Greed being outdone by Shopkeep here outdoing his entire Guild’s purpose just from possibly one store…

“Holy shit…” Tina said. “W-wait, are those Prize Pods?” Tina asked, looking over to see flying Prize Pods as well.

“Midas? How is that kid doing anyway?” Shopkeeper asked. “And yes those are Prize Pods. I’ll give you a hint as to where all this crap goes.”

“He’s doing fine, prepping for the Chaos Tournaments but…how do you know Midas?” Tina inquired.

“Also, this is the ‘Loot Spawn’ realm, this is where all the Loot is that spawn’s in as rewards from dungeons, monster murder, and quests right?” I guessed.

“First, tiny winged griffon pony thing, It’s actually called the… eh, nevermind that. All you need to know is that this place is where everything is before and after a world is generated starts. And Tina, I know him because I raised him. Changed diapers, taught him to ride a bike, punch a moon into gravel, run across space at speeds faster than… well, there’s not a name for that yet but eh.”

Tina and I both looked at Shopkeeper.

“Fucken…what?” I asked.

“Second…” Tina said slowly. “You…are Midas’s dad and…that would make this place…”

“I like to think of it as the Testing Cells game developers use to store various things and objects to try out before applying them in the game proper.” Shopkeeper said. “But if Loot Spawn is easier for you to understand then just keep calling it that.”

“I…suppose so…” I said slowly. “So…this is something I didn’t expect…learning about this place and…that Midas is your kid…”

“Yeah. Anyway,” He snapped his fingers again and we were back in the convenience store. “Get out.”

“Well, it was nice seeing you again, Shopkeep.” Tina nodded.

“Maybe next time I can come up with something I can buy.” I admitted.

“And tell Babe I said hello.” Tina added as we both turned around to head back to our house.

“Yeah yeah.” Shopkeeper said as we left. Armageddon closing the door behind us as we did and put the key back into his Assistant.

“So that was informative.” I said honestly.

“Glad to meet an old acquaintance again.” Tina admitted.

“He didn’t seem very happy.” Armageddon said.

“Depends on what he wasn’t happy about, losing sleep, us being there, or him just not being a happy person normally.” I admitted, cause the best description I had for the guy was ‘Tired’, and not the ‘I’m gonna crash on a couch and sleep for two days’ tired but ‘ten cups of coffee and murder’ kind of tired…

“Well, whatever the case, he might be able to help us.” Tina said.

“Yeah, with his shop and whatever stuff he has to offer it could help us immensely.” I said honestly.

“If he wants to… Kid was right. He didn’t seem to like us being there…” Tina sighed.

“Yeah…considering what he told us about the Keys…he’s just another part of this damn game…” I shook my head.

“Hmm… well, at least we can see about what or if he can help us next time. So…” Tina started.

“Just give it time.” I nodded, gently patting Armageddon’s head.

“You get back to your games with the others kid.” Tina said, kneeling down and patting Armageddon’s head. The foal headed off and before I could leave Tina picked me up and carried me to a spare room, locking the door behind her and plopped herself and I down on the bed, keeping me firmly in her arms and between her breasts.

“Cuddles are nice.” I said with a warm smile, cuddling up to my big fluffy woof.

“Yeah. Seeing Shopkeeper brought back some… unhappy memories.” She sighed, giving my forehead a kiss.

“I know…” I sighed. “But we’re not here to have unhappy memories, your family is here, I’m sure they're safe, and we’ll save them.”

“I hope so… but I am worried regardless… Not to mention, if this Lyn is here, what if she’s some crazy god or something?”

“I mean, considering Micheal nor Gallon said anything too bad…I suppose it could be fine.” I admitted.

“Considering she manipulated his parents into kicking him out, all to somehow lead him to Gallon, what if she’s just some other version of Lady Fate?”

“It was to rescue him.” I pointed out. “Unlike Fate who decided to monologue about my nervous system exploding…”

“But why him specifically? And for what?”

“Don’t know…and don’t know.” I sighed. “Maybe we’ll figure it out one day when we meet them.”

“Hmm…” She grumbled, pulling herself around me more until she was basically curled into a ball, with me in the middle of her.

I gently pet my thunder pupper’s cheek. “It’s alright, things are going to be okay.”

“... part of me is afraid to believe that…”

“Why would you be afraid of things being okay?” I asked.

“Because everything can end up being worse when you’re happy…”

“Trust me…I know that full well.” I sighed. “That's why I'm keeping expectations low so I won't be surprised…”

“Just extremely pissed?”

“Pissed yes, but not surprised.”

“Hm… Has your baby started kicking already?” She asked, leaning her chin across the back of my neck. I was basically smothered by her body and fur. I didn’t mind… got used to this feeling quick.

“Not yet, but they can take their time.” I said softly.

“When I was first pregnant… the little kicks would make me jump. It was a new sensation, a reminder there was a little someone growing inside me. Heh, well, multiple. Sure, they hurt from time to time but rarely. Perks of being a Den Mother I guess. I look forwards to them now. The little kicks inside me… I’d get paranoid if they didn’t kick after so many days once they started.” She said with a small laugh.

“Yeah, given I’ve been pregnant a few times…it’s a nice and worrying feeling to feel the little kicks.” I admitted.

“First time I gave birth, it hurt. Felt like my insides were trying to pull themselves out of me… but seeing my pups, their little cries as they took their first breaths… didn’t even register after that, and each birth after felt easier and easier to me… Still not sure if that’s really me or my Den Mother body… stopped caring after a while… I was happy and… I had my kids… kids I’d swear I’d look after and care for and… then, I lost them…”

“And we’ll get them back.” I stated. “All of them, I promise.”

“I hope so… You know, Den Mothers can get pregnant with other female partners. Been trying with Lovely for a while now.”

“...How does that work?” I asked in confusion.

“All a Den Mother needs is some DNA in the right place and our bodies natural magic and such kick in. Course it’s harder… makes it more fun though~”

“Is Lovely purely lesbian? Cause I know full well about your other bits.” I pointed out, also now a tad more confused cause of how… vigorous Tina is that it's taken so long.

“She’s Bi. Had that realization with a succubus back in her world. Long…ish story.” Tina said.

“And her not wanting your lightning rod?” I brought up

“... Button, at your size, I basically split you in half… and Lovely is smaller than you. My tip fills her with lube and practice. And potions to help are not exactly easy to find.”

“The New Foundation?” I pointed out, given it was ancient and had a lot of things.

“Yes, because keeping multiple settlements safe, fighting off SCP monsters and Chaos Guilds means they’re mandatory resources are going to expanding the public's kinks.”

“I think I bought something during my Greed spending binge?” I questioned, still needing to sort through the rest of that nonsense.

“That would be nice, but either way.” Tina said with a shrug. “Besides, Lovely has her own job too. Would rather try that on her days off in case she needs time to… regain her legging.”

“That is also fair.” I shrugged.

“Gonna go on another Greed Guild Spending Spree?”

“Might as well, cause there's a lot of neat shit, I get a big discount, and getting more RP from Estate would be awesome.”

This Code Clone stuff has been helping my familial relations a lot, Estate has been keeping track and I’m in the high double/triple digits with most everyone now.

“Estate is really helping out huh?”

“Immensely.” I nodded.

“Plus your summons have also been helpful.” Tina said, shifting to give my forehead another kiss. “Just wish Tony didn’t run off so fast… I know why… but he’s now missed so much…”

“It's only been two weeks.” I said honestly.

“Doesn’t mean I’m not mad. We didn’t even get to hang out, catch up, drink or anything he was here… then he wasn’t… I haven’t seen him in years and…”

“I know…I know…” I sighed.

Another week passed and things were pretty calm. The route to the next ship takes a few days and we figured going in a circular pattern to expand Infection Zone’s territory of communication would be best.

I wrapped up a rather… fun session with Tina, enjoying the break before I went back for more.

I was heading to the kitchen to grab a drink of water when-

“Tony?! Your back! Uh…and in my house.”

“And you were in my sister.” Tony chuckled as I blushed brightly.“But I spent the day with my daughter to answer your question.”

“Oh! I hope it went well… was hard to keep her from calling me dad given I… was the first person she saw once she was cured. I guess Imprinting is still a thing regardless. So… did you need to see Tina because she's… sleeping and Code Clones… I assume Micheal and Gallon told you about that?”

“Yes, they did tell me and I should also get to try and test that as well…” Tony answered. “But I need you.”

“Listen, I need like, five minutes before we do that.” I said quickly.

“I need your help to do a quest, where we’ll need to go deep underwater, find a massive volcano, and let it erupt all over the place.”

“...Is this a euphemism? Cause if your dick’s as big as Tina’s…”

“Sandra said mine was half an inch bigger.” Tony answered.

“Then…uh…”

“Euphemism of my dick aside, no it’s actually the Main Quest for Aqua Terra.” Tony explained.

I shook my head. “Okay so, wait… you want me, to go with you to Aqua Terra… to… I'm assuming set off a deep sea volcano?”

“Yep, the bigger the better cause Gravel told me the hint on the Main Quest.” Tony explained.

“Right… now, here's the problem I have.” I started. “I have my Code Clone already out on a ship, where Gallon, Tina and Micheal are all already awake in theirs and waiting for me and I'm kind of promising my family,” And Gravel . I mentally added. “I'd not leave home again given I missed out on ten years of… basically all my kids lives, majority from their birth, and this sounds like a multi day travel thing and yes I already asked, only one code clone works at a time so…”

“You're the only Volcano Phoenix I know.” Tony admitted. “But if not then I could just get Romero…or find a Fire Gem now that I think about it…”

“What about a Frontier Portal?”

Tony's blank stare told me he… might not know what those are.

“I…wait, are those the portals back in the New Foundation?” He asked.

I nodded.

Tony stared at me for a while… then walked to the nearest wall, and slammed his head against it.

“Fucking damn it…” He groaned as he slammed his head against the wall again.

“Yeah… I know the pain…”

It took Tony a few days to find the Volcano, to which he got the Code Clone and was handing out various apologies and such, mostly to his kids, left and right as well his sister and Den. Eventually he was over it and had me walk through a Frontier Portal to his ship and over it. From atop the Ship he was looking over the edge at the seemingly endless water below. The map said there was a Volcano here.

I felt it instantly. The raw power was beyond a simple Volcano… no, the Volcano that birthed Mango, that now resided within me was but an ember compared to what eldrich level behemoth lay dormant and sleeping below. I was almost tempted to bow to it. “... What the fuck…” I said finally after several minutes of silence.

“What up?” Tony asked. “I only see the ocean here.”

“... Tony…” I started, turning to look him in the eyes. “What I sense down there is not a Super Volcano… That fucking thing makes a Super Volcano looks like the small annoying white head zits teenagers get on their face during puberty.”

“...Huh…” He said slowly. “So…let’s try and make it go boom.”

“... Tony if we're anywhere near this thing when it blows, we're gonna die. And I'm the Volcano Phoenix here.”

“...Well, that is a thing…hate how this is the quest.” He sighed. “We have to make this thing erupt somehow without getting ourselves killed…”

“I think I can still do something but first, let's get a good distance away from this thing.”

With a nod, Tony flew the ship a fair distance away from the Volcano. Not far enough that I couldn’t sense it, not that I couldn’t regardless. I can sense all the undersea Volcanos in this zone, but this one… almost gave me Glub Glub flashbacks…

Once we were back atop the ship I took a breath, raising a hand to my mouth and bit down. The familiar rush of my Titan Transformation washed over me and I now stood, admittedly a bit precariously, on the ship that still kept us flying.

“The fuck do you mean you have a Titan Form!?” Tony shouted from below me.

I felt a smug grin cross my lips as I gave a quick look to Tony, proud of this form and what it was. Still, I had work to do. I held out my hands and began to task of connecting to the Volcano. The magma within bubbled lazily within the sleeping entity and I just needed to find the…

I felt it. I was expecting a challenge. It broke like fragile glass, then everything began to shake. The ground, the water, the air itself.

I got out of my Titan body instantly, letting it fall to the water below and landing next to Tony.

“Portal. Run. Now!” I got out before making a B-Line for the Frontier portal. We were in Aqua Terra, rushing to the upper most area of the land. We could see the eruption from here…

Everything shook… then everything was a few… hundred feet in the air… then it all hit the ground hard, my own wings barely stopping the impact before I landed next to Tony in a daze.

“...Three hundred thousand light years …” Tony said weakly.

“Tony I'm gonna need like… a year or two before I do something like that again…” I said in reply just as weak.

“I have a feeling it’s going to take longer than that to find another volcano this size…but this is one out of fifty thousand.” Tony replied before he spoke again. “... OH !”

“Good things?” I asked. That was a loud ‘oh’.

“Okay so…first, the entire island you help make is a Safe Zone, and everything got allocated around it…for each person that settles here I get fifty skill points per day per person …I get a hundred if someone’s born in this safe zone…and I’ve been given the power of an undefined, infant Divine…”

“You…lucky…bitch…”

“Yeah…this is…this is uh…quite something.”

3 Weeks Later

So… Lot’s happened.

“Is it wrong to say I missed being able to lay on grass like this?” Micheal asked. He, Gallon, Tina and I were all laid down on my new property, the house behind us and the land was several acres wide, with grass, trees, flowers. It was nice in all honestly.

When word of this first ever safe zone got out, everyone began immigrating and Micheal and other Township holders were busy helping build houses and roads and such.

Now things have calmed down and, well, We all live in the Safe Zone. I’ll admit, I prefer it compared to the apartment… reminds me a bit of Ponyville. Just a little.

“Nope.” Gallon said, on his side holding onto Micheal.

“Not at all.” Tina agreed, wrapping an arm around me as we looked up at the blue sky.

“Feels like home…” I said, cuddles up to my big thunder pupper and enjoyed nature finally.

“Everything here feels… lighter.” Gallon pointed out. “The air, the smells… it’s like there’s no stress.”

“That's why it's called a safe zone.” I chuckled. “Safe from all the stress.”

“Is this what it’s like off the planet?” Micheal asked.

“Pretty much.” I said. “Clean, clear…Simple.” I sighed..

“Neat. Wonder if when we find this Main Quest for Infection Zone the same thing will happen there?” Gallon hummed.

“Kind of ironic. The Main Quests of the zones are to do things that make Safe Zones.” Tina chuckled.

“Yeah…the more places we make safe the better.” I said honestly.

“So, how has Tony been since this happened?” Micheal asked.

“Swamped with fans. Heh, he can’t go outside without people praising him. Fitting given he’s an Untitled Infant God now.” Tina chuckled.

“Hm. Neat.”

“And while he does enjoy it from time to time…I can agree, a man needs some alone time every so often.” I admitted.

“At least he can say he did something people thought was impossible on Armageddon before.” Gallon said. “So much to do.”

“I know…and we're barely any closer to finding either the Dark Souls area or the Last Bastion…” I frowned.

“Guess some of these Main Quests will take more time than others. At least we’re taking out the Welcoming Committee ships as we go. New Foundations is sending out ships of teams to do the same in the other zones. Maybe find the Main Quest. Progress.” Micheal said with a sigh and a yawn.

“A…” I yawned as well. “A whole lot of progress.”

Well, at least now we have a safe respite. With luck, we’ll soon have more.