"I suppose if you put it that way, then we can keep it at Mr. Wisp." The King thought aloud as he pondered the cat's advice. Opinion on the Empire was mixed, of course, but actions spoke louder than words. Legume removed corruption, brought order to a relatively chaotic galactic landscape, and boasted an impressive approval rating. "I appreciate both your assistance and advice."

The question then, was whether those who dissented saw a different side of the story, or merely wished to raise suspicions. One had to be careful with such weighty matters. Ergo, at least for now, it was important to keep the relationship cordial, while intelligence continued to investigate matters.

For example, the matter of those thousands of Galactic Patrol refugees that had been given refuge about a year ago.

And of course, a key point was to reinforce the independent strength of Earth and her worlds. Central City would rise again. And with it, a commitment to ensure that the tragedy of its destruction would never be repeated. There was still plenty of work to do with these camps. Rehabilitating its resurrected people while at the same time rebuilding their homes.

But if they worked together, it could be done. That was how Earth shot out into the stars, after all.

The one-eyed butler gave a fairly accurate assessment of how REGIS-02 performed. Admirable... but poor. The regimen would have to be improved if they were to become more effective.

One couldn't help but get an old-timey feeling from this otherwise young-looking man. Especially given how he mentioned serving Earth 'again', and dropping King Furry's name. Earth had gone through its number of monarchs. But Furry served a tumultuous period of multiple threats to the peace. Red Ribbon's reign of terror, King Piccolo, First Contact with the Saiyans, and the threat of Cell...

To be told that Furry would one day be proud of him, by someone who seemed to be on a personal level of familiarity. Well, some folks live for centuries. And if this man was some sort of ghost - the sudden disappearance seemed to indicate that - he shouldn't be surprised, given he'd been dead himself for a while.

Stranger things have happened.

Finally turning his attention to Officer Kuupo,the King nodded in acknowledgement of what she said. "I can relate. It has been a most tiring day. Your assistance will not be forgotten." He bowed. "Thank you."

By the time Standish arrived, the warrior cat was the only one still around. Not exactly the most full debriefing to be had, but it was better than nothing. So many questions abounded, one might imagine.

Like what was the... thing.... supposed to be anyway? How would they deal with another incursion of a similar nature? How did it show up in the first place? What of those who lived in the camp? Were they all eaten?

Many would be left unanswered. But the direction they needed to take was clear: improve on Earth's defenses. Rebuild Central City. The land was somehow healing, as if by some miracle. Almost incidentally starting with that park as the epicenter. Who or what did this, was another question left unanswered. But If there was an ideal place to get started with concentrated reconstruction, it would be this very camp.

As for the lone remaining fighter? He would be awarded honors in a small, private ceremony. A secret accomplishment for the sake of a King who had yet to officially return. Though that return would have to be imminent. It was time for change...

---

Diabolical flames swirled about the blasted wasteland of this lord's nationstate. For centuries, he had plotted, prepared, and raised up an army that he could use to conquer the Tri-State Area. Before him stood a thousand demon warriors, fierce and handpicked personally.

A grand assembly, on the eve of his conquest of the Tri-State Area. One where he would deliver a speech that he spent weeks writing and editing, to ensure that it was only the most inspirational set of words. Words that would incite flames to despise their enemies while praising their lord.

As the demon lord stood atop the stage to address his forces, he cleared his throat and reached for the mic. "Brothers! For centuries, we have been mocked by our so-called 'neighbors' in Gaijia and Extravion! They said we weren't hot enough! That we didn't make the cut! That the Late Great Dabura would have laughed if we had ever offered to serve in his armies!"

Cries of rage echoed across the hellish landscape. Landscape so blasted and barren that hell looked pleasant in comparison. Vitriolic soldiers who desired nothing more than to overwhelm the foe.

"That bullying ends now!" He shouted to applause. "At dawn, we march! First, upon Extravion while they sleep. And then, Gaijia itself! By noon today, we shall have conquered the entirety of the Tri-State Area!"

Cheers, howling, and regimented battle chants surrounded the dark lord. Yes. Once he conquered the region, he would establish himself as one you didn't want to mess with. He would rise from the embarrassment of nothingness, and become a blip on the radars of the Lower Lords! Now that would be an achievement!

"So go now! Prepare to muster! Mark your calendars! For today is the day of our-"

His words, and indeed, the sound of the speakers themselves, drowned in a torrent of vicious weather. As if a typhoon had appeared from nowhere. Powerful winds. In the midst of it all, voices assailed him andhis men.

"Don't be scared!"

"We just want to fly!"

"Are you ready to watch us fly?"

"It'll be so much fun!"

Cabrachu growled as the wisps began to appear, heralding the sudden appearance of a gigantic mass of crimson flesh. Overwhelmed and dwarfed his castle. Crushed it under its sheer size. "WHO DARES INTERRUPT MY-"

And for the briefest of moments, three shooting stars crashing down from an alien sky... a sky that disappeared just like that. But the stars had already fallen, striking the earth with unprecedented ferocity.

A blinding white flash.

---

WC: 1029
TWC: 14705

Will O. Wisp Lute T Queen Kuueru