It had been days since they arrived on earth for their so-called vacation.
Which was actually a guise for their transition of permanently being residents back to their home planet.
Cahaya still felt a sense of unfairness from it all.
But of course, he wasn't some immature kid that went and ignored his brothers as a form of passive-aggressive reaction.
Instead, he continued treating them like how he used to- because he wasn't petty like that.
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"Cahaya, can you help me carry the laundry?"
"You have two hands, Tanah. Don't tell me you can't figure out simple solutions to simple problems."
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"Hey, Grandpa wants to meet us at his shop. Do you want to go together?"
"You suddenly need a babysitter to go with you, Petir?"
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"I just baked a new batch of cookies~ do you want some?"
"No."
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"Hey, nerd! Can you teach me-"
"Would you stop being so stupid enough that you keep forgetting to use your own brain?!"
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"Cahaya, can you get my ice cream-"
"Use your ability to move, Air. Your laziness is undignified."
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"Uhm... do you want to look at how my garden's going, Cahaya?"
"You should be able to tell if it's a wilting mess by now. You don't need me for that, now do you, Daun?"
-
Their inability at getting used to his impeccable logic (sass) was honestly not his problem. Even if they (Daun) ended up crying over how harsh he thought they were being.
Honestly, maybe it was for the best they quit TAPOPS , since a few words were apparently enough to knock them into a mess of anger and hurt.
How pathetic.
"-gotta talk to him, Grandpa!"
Cahaya froze by the staircase as he was about to head down for dinner.
"He's being insufferable!" He could practically imagine Api rolling his eyes.
"More insufferable than usual." Petir corrected like he was being clever.
Air mumbled something that he didn't hear which was immediately cut off by Angin.
"Maybe we should give him some time?" He said, though he sounded unsure, "I mean, I guess I understand why he's being like this. He was always left out and-"
"Oh please. You got it all wrong." He got to watch in satisfaction as the septuplets turned to him in both shock and guilt at getting caught.
"Cahaya..." Grandpa said in warning, "We will talk about this later. It's rude to keep the food waiting. So why don't we take a seat-"
"I couldn't agree more, Atok. It is rude. But you know what else is rude?" He narrowed his eyes at his brothers, "Talking behind people's back."
"Cahaya-"
"And also, what do you mean I felt left out?" He asked, eyes wide with exaggerated confusion. An emotion he finds difficult expressing since he rarely felt that way, "That was never the case! In fact, I'll prove it to you by enrolling in another school where you guys aren't in!"
"Wait- what?!" Tanah had stood up from his seat, dumbfounded, "Cahaya- mom and dad won't like us separated!"
"Please, you guys- out there doing what you need to do, while I do my own thing -is nothing new." He said with an eyeroll, "Anyway, there's this private school I've been eyeing on since I got here. It's pretty advanced and I thought you'd be happier I'm joining in on this let's-quit-TAPOPS wagon!"
"Cahaya, please." Taufan stood up and tried approaching him, "We weren't also aware about this decision and know what it's like to suddenly quit like this- but if you think about it... maybe it's about time we resign for now... and try again in the future?"
What an absurd train of thought. Do they really think their lack of experience in the near future would save them a spot to rejoin TAPOPS whenever they want to?
They're naivety was remarkable.
"Sorry... but I wasn't born a quitter." He said haughtily before turning and heading back to the stairs, "I'll eat later after I study for my Entrance Exam."
"Cahaya wait-"
He ignored Tanah and stomped his way up the stairs, fists clenched in frustration and heart heavy with disappointment and anger.
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A knock on the door snapped him out from his reading and he looked back at the door out of reflex.
To his surprise it was Tok Aba, carrying a tray of food and water.
"Are you hungry?"
He immediately felt a wave of shame for the behavior he had shown earlier in front of their only caretaker who had been nothing but warm and open since they stepped foot in his doorstep.
"Atok..." He quickly stood up from his desk in unease, "I... I'm sorry about earlier... I just-"
"Were you serious about changing schools?" The elder asked patiently as he placed his food on his desk.
"I... yes?"
"And you're not doing this to punish your brothers?"
He felt his face flush, "It's a prestigious school that focuses on science and research. I think I'll benefit from it once I start applying for college-"
"Cahaya."
He sighed as Tok Aba sat down on his bed and gestured him to sit next to him.
"If it is what you truly want, then I will support you, no matter what." He said gently, "But if you're doing this just to get back to your brothers, then I'm worried that you might end up regretting this in the near future where there'll be no turning back."
"I just... it's unfair, Atok!" He exclaimed, "My whole time in TAPOPS I've been on the sidelines! And when I finally got to help them... they decided we would stop the whole thing without even talking about it to us!"
"They're just worried about you-"
"And so was I!" Cahaya could feel unshed tears burn in his eyes but was quick to blink them back, "I always have to sit back and anxiously wait for them after every mission! But somehow, I always trusted that they'll come back no matter what! So why can't they do the same for me?! Why can't they trust me?!"
A shadow from outside the door momentarily distracted him, but he was taken by surprise when Tok Aba suddenly pulled him into a hug.
"Oh your father used to get himself in all sorts of trouble, so I understand where you are coming from." Tok Aba chuckled, "And even now, with my grandsons out there saving the galaxies..."
He could feel Tok Aba's hug tighten.
"I understand how much this decision affects you... but you must also understand that that your brothers feel the same way as you."
"But-"
"And it's not that they don't trust you... but because they love you so much they couldn't bear the thought of losing you like that again." Tok Aba pulled away and kept a gentle gaze, "Do you understand, Cahaya?"
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Solar came to to the sounds of pained groans.
Immediately, he was on alert mode as he shot up and held up his fists, eyes darting around his dark surroundings.
First thing he immediately noticed was his clothes were completely soaked & caked with mud and that he doesn't have his hat anymore- and second was the crouched form under one of the nearby trees.
"Lance Corporal!" He said as the form groaned once more and it took him no less than a second to recognize the mystery person, "Bola Solar!"
As soon as the light hit Fang, said person winced and held up a hand. Solar immediately took notice of how he had been holding his left arm in a rather protective manner and the long gash across his left thigh that was bleeding sluggishly.
He seemed to have also lost his hat.
"And why haven't you applied first aid yet?!" Were the first things out of Solar's mouth as he fortunately still had his bag on his back and placed it next to his teammate, trying to dig out the medical kit (which was fortunately the water-proof type) he always brought for missions.
"I'm sorry, Captain. But do you not see my limp arm?" He said sarcastically, which calmed Solar a bit.
If he still had the energy to be sarcastic, then he should be fine.
"Oh I do, but I can also see that your other limb seems to be working just fine." He non-gently grabbed the other arm, making the other yelp.
"Hey-"
"The deformity is at the shoulder joint, slight swelling, no heat or redness, and no noted bruising yet." Solar mumbled as he continued examining his limb, moving it in different motions that made Fang wince and whimper a bit, "You dislocated your shoulder. I'll have to relocate it."
"Wha-"
"Here, bite down on this." He shoved one of his soggy handkerchiefs in his mouth, much to his disgust.
"Mmmmff!"
"The sooner we get this done the sooner I tend to your other injury." He glared at him sharply, "On the count of three."
He watched as the hesitance passed over the other's eyes, before he nodded and shut them tightly. He placed his hand over his upper trapz and upper arm and gave them a firm grip.
"One." And without warning, he popped the joint back in place which resulted a muffled howl from Fang.
"I thought you said three!" He exclaimed once he spat out the cloth, pained tears streaming his face as he looked at him in disbelief.
"And have your rotator cuffs contract from muscle guarding due to the anticipated pain?" Solar plucked one of the big sturdy-looking leaves on a nearby plant and fashioned it to a sling for his arm, "It'll be more painful and difficult for both us."
"Seriously-"
"How are you ribs? Head? Are there any other injuries I should be aware of?" The young Captain was already on his leg, trying to stop the bleeding while taking out a small bottle of antiseptic.
"They're fine. Would you just..." He hissed as the other pressed on his wound, "...let me process the pain you just put me through."
"Time and efficiency is key when it comes to first aid." Solar insisted as he tightly wrapped the soaked handkerchief above the wound, "...unless you want an infection that may or may not lead to amputation."
"...you're not helping."
"To think you'd be a little more grateful that I'm wasting precious resources to help you."
"Captain-"
"Seriously, none of this would've happened if you listened to me and pulled the Plantosaur downward and not forward-"
"Alright, already! Geez." Fang scowled and leaned back, "Can I please go back to resting without all the nagging?"
Solar huffed and rolled his eyes, "Do as you please."
He continued treating the other's wound while the other winced and tried adjusting in a more comfortable position.
"Would you stop moving around?!"
"Ugh! This isn't working! You should just go and find your stupid power sphere." Fang said pulling his leg away from him, much to Solar's added annoyance, "Don't wanna pull you down and all!"
"Is this where all the whining is coming from?" Solar raised an eyebrow.
"Wha- you're the one who's whining more!"
"For a good reason. But you on the other hand are being very difficult for someone who's receiving help." Solar pointed out, "...are you insecure of me or something?"
"I should've left you in the water." Fang grumbled as he let his head fall back on the bark of the tree.
"Dodging the question is not a form denying."
"No! I'm not-" Fang took another deep breath, "I just... here I was finally getting the opportunity to help you with a proper mission without your usual manipulations-"
"-it was a strategic plan-"
"-and all I did was doubt you since we got here and now I'm weighing you down on this mission." Fang stared up at the starry skies, avoiding Solar's gaze.
Eventually, Solar looked down on Fang's injury, "The bleeding won't stop. I'm going to have to stitch this up."
"What?! Do you even know how to?!"
"I've been going on missions without a team for almost two years now. I know more than the basic first aid." Solar said as he dug through the kit once more for some needle and a thread.
He couldn't help but notice the intense stare the other was giving and returned one of his own.
"What? Do you truly doubt my skill, Lance Corporal? Because I assure you I'm not saying this out of fun-"
"It's not that." He shook his head, "I was just wondering... how difficult was it to go on missions like this on your own... that you even have to learn how to reset joints and stitch up injuries like this?"
Dark memories from those days started to creep up like they always do which Solar immediately shrugged off.
"It was no easy feat." He simply said as he started applying the antiseptic on his wound, "So, as much as I hate to admit it... I'm actually grateful I have a team now."
Fang flinched when he started using the needle, but tried to keep still.
"You're not a burden Lance Corporal. I assume if it hadn't been for you I would've drowned by now." Solar continued as he focused on trying to be as fast as possible while wiping the blood that would obscure his stitches.
"Setbacks like these are to be expected in a mission. And being a team takes great work and a lot of adjustments."
"You're definitely a lot of work to adjust with." Fang said through gritted teeth, obviously in a lot of pain.
"I'll let that slide due to current circumstances." Solar continued as he was finally about to tie the last stitch.
"Sorry, Captain."
"As you should be." Solar smirked, before looking down at his neat work. He quickly grabbed the gauze and bandages.
Infection was no joke and who knows what kind of germs and bacteria an alien planet holds.
"You know... I can actually relate with you in regards to always being on the sidelines during important missions." He couldn't help but speak up.
He looked back at Fang who looked like he was deliriously in pain, but was immediately alert at his statement, "You mean when you were with your brothers?"
"Well, someone had been doing some background check of his own."
"Err- it's not-"
"Yes, with my brothers." He wrapped the bandage as comfortably tight as he could, "They always made me stay behind and tried to distract me with experiments and research like some toddler who needed babysitting."
"That... must suck."
"It did. But I knew they were only doing what they thought was best for me. Unfortunately, they weren't really the smartest bunch."
Fang looked like he was ready to conk out, but seemed to be fighting it with his obvious curiosity, "You shouldn't talk about them like that."
"I can and I will." He couldn't help but retort, "Anyway, that's not the point I was getting to. Despite all that, I managed to know what it was like to have a team because of them. And I hope that... that it would be the same with our own team."
Fang sank further back, eyes closing, "Getting sentimental, Captain?"
"Maybe just a bit." Solar smirked as he put his medical kit back in his bag before hefting it over his shoulder, "Anyway, I think I'll go roam around and check for a clearer pathway that's heading for the power sphere. I think it's safer here when it's night knowing plants are less active without the sun out and-"
He was interrupted by the other's snore and he turned to see that Fang had fallen asleep.
He couldn't help but snort in amusement and disbelief before turning on the communication line in Fang's watch, just so he could make sure there wouldn't be another plant monster that would come out and maul him while he wasn't around.
Though, he was 90% sure he'd be safe.
He'll just risk the 10%.
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Fang woke up once light had hit his face. He groggily blinked his eyes open and immediately saw the vibrant leaves of the forest.
Quickly, he sat up in panic- ignoring how dizzy he felt at the sudden action.
"Oh good, you're awake." Solar emerged from one of the thick bushes.
In his arms, he seemed to be carrying a bunch of strange looking fruits.
"How long had I been out?" He asked while the other placed the fruits on the huge leaf he didn't notice on the ground in front of him.
"Approximately six hours and thirty eight minutes." He responded before throwing him one of the fruits, "Eat. You're going to need it after losing blood. And not to mention, we're gonna need to get moving soon before anymore Plantosaurs find us."
Fang nodded his head and quickly took a bite from the fruit.
It was surprisingly not that bad.
"I never got to ask, but did you get hurt, Captain?" He immediately asked, a little guilty that he forgot to even check on his teammate.
"Just some bruising. But otherwise, I'm fine." Solar waved him off before typing on his watch.
"Captain?"
"Qually! About time I heard from you!"
"I-I'm sorry, Captain! I got captured by some weird tribe who tried to use me as a fertilizer for the Plantosaurs!"
"A tribe? What kind?" Fang refrained himself from facepalming when he saw the glint of interest in the other's expression.
Of course he'd prioritize the discovery of new natives over the well-being of his own teammate.
"I don't know! They don't say much other than "Jaba jaba", but get this- their leader is Adu Du!"
"WHAT?! That bastard is back?!" Fang exclaimed before Solar could say anything, "If I get my hands on that square head of his-"
"Why is Adu Du here?!" Solar demanded, eyes narrowing dangerously, "Unless..."
"He knows about PlanterBot and the Oakuat seed!" Qually said in panic, "We have to get to it before he does!"
Solar was quick to stand up, back pack already on his back as he started typing on his watch in lightning speed, "I'm sending you the coordinates to the powersphere, Qually. I'll meet you there."
"Captain, I'm coming with you!" Fang forced himself to stand up, trying to hide the wince when his injuries protested at the sudden movement.
"You can barely stand." The young Captain pointed out, "Just stay here and lay low-"
"No! I'm not getting benched this time!" He insisted, tearing off the leaf arm sling before pressing on his power watch, "Separa Harimau Bayang!"
Just as he expected, Solar looked at him in shock before stepping back as he let out a roar.
The injuries felt a little less painful with the enhancement from his own power and with the shadows wrapping around his injuries as if they were a protective cocoon.
"That's the... you mastered your second tier?" Solar asked, completely dumbfounded.
Fang nodded his head in response, "You're gonna need me, Captain. At least to help deal with the Plantosaurs."
The other looked at him with narrowed eyes before nodding his head, "Alright, but this time you're going to listen to my orders no matter what."
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The duo finally arrived at a strange pyramid in no less then a couple of minutes. Fang couldn't help but look at the ancient-looking building in awe while Solar scowled as soon as he saw the open entrance, "They already got in! Come on!"
"I still don't understand why Adu Du's here!" Fang exclaimed as he ran after the other towards a dark labyrinth. Easily keeping up, thanks to his shadow tiger fusion, "And since when was he a leader of a tribe?!"
"I saw a sculpture of Adu Du's face on the door when I came to investigate this place. I didn't mind it at first, but I think I may have a hunch as to why the tribe thought he was their leader- look out!"
They immediately stopped before they collided at the wall that came out of nowhere.
"It's a dead-end!" Fang exclaimed.
"Thanks for pointing that out, Captain Obvious." Solar aimed at the wall, "Tembakan Solar!"
In no less than a second, the wall was in pieces and in they went to the new passage that was mysteriously filled with interesting drawings.
"This is-"
"There's no time for that! We have to get to Adu Du!" Solar exclaimed, though he was already taking pictures with his tablet, before stuffing it back in his bag.
"I can't believe you're still obsessed with this useless Research!" Fang looked back at him in disbelief.
"First of all, it's not useless. Discovering the history of this planet while learning more about the culture of its natives-"
"Okay, you're right. We're wasting time!" Fang exclaimed as he pounced further into the labyrinth leaving Solar no choice but to follow him with an offended huff.
They continued running further into the darkness with Solar lighting the way, when they heard a familiar laugh.
"I know that obnoxious laugh anywhere." Solar turned and pointed at the direction he was sure where the voices were and fired with no hesitation.
The stone wall in front of them exploded with debris flying everywhere.
"What was that?!"
"I think they've finally caught up to us, Mister Boss!"
They were greeted by the sight of Adu Du and Probe on top of a high platform right next to a pedestal of a round stone casing which obviously held PlanterBot.
"Adu Du! What are you even doing here?!" Solar yelled as they ran across the wide room.
"I'm here to claim what's mine!" He gestured dramatically at the container then at the portrait behind him, "You've seen the paintings and sculptures! This pyramid was built in honor of my people! The Kubulus!"
"What?! This has got to be some sick joke!" Fang turned to Solar for confirmation, only to see the other taking pictures of the painting in fascination.
"Captain, this isn't the time right now!"
"PlanterBot was brought to this planet by the Kubulus to save it from becoming barren! Which is why the Baja Tribe made Mister Boss their chief!" Probe exclaimed proudly as Adu Du pressed his hand against a hand-shaped keyhole revealing the robot, "It was Mister Boss' people who used PlanterBot to restore this planet, so it's only right that mister boss inherits it!"
"Urgh... he does make a good point." Fang muttered begrudgingly.
"Hmpf. Unfortunately, that logic won't be enough to convince me." Solar said and before anyone could react the light manipulator shot at the platform the two stood.
"GYAAAAH!"
"Probey Jet form!"
The platform crumbled before their eyes, causing the ground to shake as its large debris fell on top of the other.
Adu Du quickly made his way to Probe as cracks started forming under him. But as he was about to jump in, Solar appeared in front of the two and swiped the power spheres before the green alien could react.
"Too slow~", He smirked.
"NO!"
"Captain, look out!" Fang yelled at Solar who was about to transport away.
The young Captain turned just in time for him to catch Adu Du's metal rod with his free hand.
He winced visibly.
"Probe! Grab his bag!"
With his hands full, Solar was unable to stop the robot from ripping the bag from his back and was forced to dodge Adu Du's next strike.
"Hey! My Research!"
Fang really couldn't tell if his Captain was being serious or not.
"Terkaman Bayang!" The shadow manipulator pounced in front of Solar as soon as the latter had managed to keep his distance from the collapsed platform and away from the attacking duo- who quickly retreated as Fang tried to strike them with his claws.
"What's going on! Why are you attacking master?!" PlanterBot had been activated and was looking at Solar in horror.
"Don't be fooled, that idiot is not your original master." Solar explained before immediately dodging one of Probe's limb enhancers which was trying to grab the power sphere from his grasp.
"He's just using you for some selfish reasons, PlanterBot!" Fang yelled back as he tried striking Adu Du who deflected his attack successfully.
PlanterBot fortunately seemed to believe them as the recognition on its face disappeared as soon as it tried to get a good look of the alien, "W-what selfish reason?"
And as if to answer his question, Probe excitedly took out a familiar seed from Solar's stolen backpack, "Mister Boss! I found it! The Oakuat seed!"
"That's not- argh!" Fang crumbled to the ground when Adu Du managed to strike his injured leg.
"Lance Corporal!" Solar's moment of distraction was enough for Probe to take his chance and grab the power sphere with his extended limbs once more.
"Waaah! Help!!"
"PlanterBot!" Solar transported towards the two but this time, Adu Du had expected this and with his metal rod, gave a powerful swing towards the light manipulator.
Solar was quick to cross his arms, able to deflect the attack, but was thrown back a couple feet away by the strong force.
"MUAHAHAHAHA! Did you really believe I would fall for the same trick twice?!" Adu Du taunted as he grabbed both PlanterBot and the seed from Probe, "Now time for you to taste the power of the Oakuat seed!"
"Wait- that's not-!" PlanterBot tried to correct them as the other planted the strange seed on top of his soil-covered head.
Fang and Solar could only watch helplessly as the powersphere glowed green while Adu Du continued to laugh maniacally.
"It's growing, Mister Boss!" Probe excitedly pointed out as soon as the sprout started poking out.
"Finally! I'll be the most powerful- WAAAAAARGH!" Thick, wooden vines shot out of PlanterBot in alarming speed, causing Adu Du to drop the powersphere in surprise.
"You idiot, we've been trying to tell you! That's not the Oakuat seed!" Fang yelled, summoning his shadow tiger fusion to dodge the vines that started growing everywhere while slowly forming into a rather familiar Plantosaur.
Only this time, it was big enough to crash through the high walls and hit the ceiling.
"T-then what is it?!"
"It's the biggest plant monster of all!" PlanterBot squeaked as it was suddenly being dragged along the huge creature.
Adu Du was too scared to grab the robot and was forced to step back in fear as the plant monster before them kept growing and growing.
Fang tried to run back when his injured leg suddenly gave in as his shadow fusion disappeared, "Wha-"
"Look out!" Solar was immediately by his side and he only had enough time to close his eyes before being engulfed in light.
BAM!
Solar was quick to transport them into a safer distance as the tail of the creature slammed down to the area where they once were.
"You're running out of energy." Solar explained as Fang looked down at his watch in concern, "Your powers are based on your energy levels which is why you can't summon your shadows anymore."
"What?!" Fang was about to demand why he didn't tell him sooner when vines grabbed both of them in the middle and practically lifted them in the air.
"Then how do we plan to defeat this thing?!" Fang was doing his best not to panic, but their chances of surviving this was starting to become slimmer as he was left powerless; and the other person with powers only had the ability to make the enemy stronger and deadlier.
"Would you stop freaking out! I have a plan!" Solar scowled as he pulled his arms out of their binds, "We need to get to PlanterBot first though, or we'll never defeat the Alpha Plantosaur."
"Captain! Fang!"
The two turned to see Qually running in from one of the many entrances of the room, only to freeze when he saw the giant Plantosaur.
"Perfect! Qually! Throw your spatula at me!" Solar yelled, waving his free hands in the air.
Fortunately, the monster was too busy trying to chase Adudu & Probe to notice the newcomer.
"U-understood!" The short alien took a step back before throwing his weapon towards Solar with all his might.
Unfortunately, the giant Plantosaur took this cue to duck down as he managed to capture Adudu and Probe into its mouth, causing Fang and Solar to be jerked downward and the spatula flying over their heads and out of reach.
"NO-"
"Jari Bayang!" A shadow hand burst from his hand, much to Fang's immense relief, which grabbed the spatula before it fell.
"Quick! Activate the flames and cut the vines!"
"Roger!"
Time was ticking and the Plantosaur's attention had shifted to them, somehow looking hungry despite its faceless head.
"Flaming Spatula!" The shadow hand was quick to slice through their bounds, making the monster roar in anger and snap it's jaws at them.
Solar was quick to grab his teammate as they fell and transported away to where Qually was.
"The vines!" Qually pointed and they turned to see the tendrils regrowing with a soft green glow.
"PlanterBot..." Solar said, eyes narrowing as he tried to spot where the robot was.
The monster looked like it was ready to lunge at them and Fang grabbed him by the shoulder, "We better run-"
"Tumbakan Solar!" Solar shot the roof on top of the Plantosaur causing it to explode and fall on the monster before it could even take a step forward towards them.
ROAAAAR!!
Dust and stray rocks flew everywhere and Fang managed to summon a feeble shadow shield which was enough to at least keep them from getting hit.
"That's not enough to keep it down." Solar mumbled, watching the Plantosaur twitch under the rubble.
Fang groaned before falling on his hands and knees, completely drained from all the adrenaline and pain from his own injuries.
"Qually, were you able to make that ointment I asked?" The light-manipulator then demanded and the small alien hastily nodded his head and handed him a small jar from his satchel, "And the energizer tea?"
"I kind of drank most of it while trying to outrun some Plantosaurs." Qually sheepishly said while taking out a tumbler and handing it to him as well, "B-but I think there's still some in there!"
Solar then shoved it to Fang after forcing him to a sitting position, "Drink. Now."
"What-"
The other ignored him and proceeded to rip his bandaging and apply the weird red slush on to his now bleeding thigh.
"Ow! OW! OW! What are you putting on my wound?! It feels like it's burning it!" Fang yelped trying to move his leg away from his grip.
Solar winced at the attempt but kept his grip on the other's leg.
"Its main ingredient is chili powder from Gur'latan! Perfect for curry and healing wounds!" Qually explained with excitement, "The recipe is in one of Master Gaharum's book!"
"You're applying spice on my wound?!" Fang then froze, "Wait, did you say Gur'latan? How-"
"I know a guy." Solar simply said before covering the ointment jar.
Fang wanted to ask more but the ground suddenly started shaking and the gigantic plantosaur started writhing and moving under the rubble.
"We need to escape-"
"No. We're splitting up." Solar picked up the spatula next to him and shoved it to Qually, he then pushed the panicked alien to a random direction, "Qually, you find PlanterBot, while Fang and I try to distract it."
"But- where?!"
"Figure it out!"
"Captain!" Fang said in warning as the Plantosaur started breaking through the rubble it was buried in.
"Fang, drink the tea! I'll hold it off."
"But-"
Solar disappeared in a flash of light before re-appearing just in front of the monster, holding up a ball of light.
"HEY! OVER HERE! I'VE GOT SOME SNACKS FOR YOU!"
Fang stared at his Captain in disbelief before shaking his head and quickly twisting the tumbler open.
"Captain! I think it saw me!" Qually had shouted from afar.
"Stop trying to get its attention!"
"It's hard when I'm trying to cut the vines grabbing for me!"
"Do it discreetly!"
"That's easier said than done!"
Solar scowled when the Alpha Plantosaur seemed to decide that Qually was the more annoying fly to deal with rather than him.
"Hey! Over here!" He turned just in time to see Fang in his eagle form, flying above the monster before diving down towards it, talons outstretched.
Solar was impressed, he didn't really think the energizer tea would be enough to give him back some of his powers.
The Plantosaur suddenly moved to its side and new voices suddenly started screaming.
"WAAAAAAAH!"
"DON'T HIT US!"
Fang had no choice but to redirect his attack as soon as he saw Adudu and Probe's head poking out from the Plantosaur's back like a bunch of warts.
"What the- they're still alive?!" Fang couldn't help but say.
"Don't just kill us off like that!" Adudu yelled.
"You gotta save us, good sir!" Probe begged, much to Fang's annoyance.
The Plantosaur roared once more just as they heard Qually cheering, "I got it! I got PlanterBot- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!"
The plant monster had grabbed the short alien with his tail and was suddenly crashing into one of the tunnels leading upward.
"Help us!!" Adu Du screamed.
Solar and Fang were quick to chase after the fleeing enemy.
"He's probably trying to run away with PlanterBot!" Fang carefully grabbed the young Captain with his Talons and flew straight up to the roof that was shot a moment ago.
"The only way to beat this thing is with fire." Solar said as soon as they emerged by the top of the pyramid.
He then looked around at the overgrown vines wrapped around the walls and floors and pointed at one particularly thick one.
"Drop me over there!"
Fang did as he was told just as the wall behind them exploded and was followed by a loud roar.
"You go and try to free the others and get PlanterBot!" Solar yelled as Fang took off.
The shadow manipulator turned back to him, "And what are you going to do?!"
"I'll start a fire." He simply said, "There's heat in my solar beams after all."
Before Fang could ask any further, he was distracted by the screams of the captured trio and was forced to go after the enraged Plantosaur that had emerged.
"Cakaran Garuda Bayang!" Fang slashed through Adudu and Probe's binds, successfully freeing the duo- but also causing them to fall face-flat on the cracked ground- but as soon as they got their bearings, they quickly ran out of there while screaming in horror.
"FANG!" The shadow-manipulator turned just in time to see the Plantosaur take PlanterBot from Qually's hold with one of his wooden vines.
"Qually, hold on-" He dove back for his teammate when he noticed his shadow wings were suddenly fading.
Was he already running out of energy?!
He still needed to save Qually!
With his time now limited, he slashed through the wooden tendrils as quickly as he could, trying to get to Qually faster.
"Qually! Quick grab my hand!"
Qually reached out for him immediately, face filled with fear.
He'll make it. He'll make it!
And just as he was about to grab his outreached hand, the Plantosaur lifted Qually away from Fang's line of direction and the latter almost flew straight towards the monster's awaiting mouth if his wings had not disappeared into nothing.
He finds himself falling straight down into its bushy back.
"NO!" Fang clung to its leaves, trying to come up with another plan when the monster seemed to have decided it had had enough and suddenly...
"FANG! Help-"
...threw Qually over the edge.
Fang screaming the other's name was drowned out by the loud, pained roar of the Plantosaur.
Fire suddenly surrounded them, but Fang's ears was still ringing from his teammate's horrified calls... and how he failed to save him.
"Lance Corporal!" Solar was suddenly next to him, hand over his shoulder while trying to get him to get off, but the teen wasn't budging and was still in some sort of shock, "-we need to get PlanterBot back, the stupid monster managed to reconnect with the powersphere and-"
"Qually... he-"
"-this isn't the time-"
He pressed his watch, anger overcoming every bit of exhaustion he felt and growled at the Plantosaur, "Separa-"
"Wait! Your powers-"
"-Naga-"
"-you have to think clearly-!!"
"-Bayang!"
It must've been his rage and strong-will that fueled his power watch as shadows practically engulfed him, forming stronger and longer wings, and a sharp tail of a dragon.
Claws grew out of his hands and his face was enveloped with shadows filled with ruby eyes and sharp fangs.
Solar flinched back when he slapped his hand away, and in seconds he was back in the skies powers pulsing along with his anger, "Semburan Api Naga Bayang!"
He managed to catch sight of Solar transporting away as he took a deep breath and blew out purple colored flames- completely engulfing the Plantosaur.
ROOOOOOOOOOOAAR!
"Lance Corporal! The power sphere!" Solar yelled as he shielded his face from the attack.
The soft green glow from the roaring monster signified the regeneration occurring despite the overwhelming flames. So Fang was forced to stop and instead dove down with his claws outstretched.
"Cakaran Naga Bayang!" And he tore through the thick wooden body, slicing and scratching everything he could touch while vines uselessly tried to grab him.
The Plantosaur roared in pain, writhing and trying to get to Fang but to no avail.
The teen continue to tore through it ruthlessly at every chance he got, screaming in rage and frustration- before the monster finally fell to the ground causing the ground to shake and crack.
"Fang! That's enough!"
He heard his Captain yell at him. He looked down to see the human staring back at him warily. As if trying to strategize a way to take him down if he were to continue to ignore his orders.
The fire around them had minimized, as it practically burned every plant that had once surrounded them and he looked back to the now defeated monster and actually got to see the damage he had caused.
Singed leaves and torn vines met his view and immediately, he felt his powers disappear as he landed safely to the ground.
Had he taken it too far...?
"You could've killed yourself attacking so mindlessly when PlanterBot here is still attached to it." Solar then spoke as he approached the tail of the Plantosaur and stomped on the wooden tendrils that connected to the powersphere, completely severing their connection and stopping the soft glow that was surrounding it.
Fang numbly walked over to him and took the power sphere, "We... we need to look for Qually-"
"Wait."
He froze when the other grabbed him by the shoulder. He turned to see the piercing stare of the young Captain, who then looked away to glare at the Plantosaur.
"Have you not learned anything from my lessons, Lance Corporal?" Solar asked, tone filled with mock disappointment, "There is no guarantee that this monster is truly and completely defeated."
Fang looked up at him in disbelief. He wasn't saying what he think he was saying...?
"You managed to defeat this Alpha... so I'll give you the honors to earn the accomplishment for this mission." Solar continued, "Grab some fire and finish the job."
A heavy silence fell upon them.
"No." Came his response before he could even think about it.
Of course, the dark glare was expected as Solar turned to him, "No?"
"The Plantosaur is already defeated! Isn't that enough?!" He could feel his own anger bubble up in his chest as he couldn't understand why his Captain was acting so unaffected at what just happened, "We just lost Qually and this merciless act is nothing but a waste of time when we should be looking for our friend! If this is the Captain that you want me to be- then bad news! It's not for me!"
What happened next went too fast.
He had turned around, intent on searching for their missing teammate as Solar tried to stop him from leaving.
When suddenly, he was shoved so hard he was practically thrown a few feet away and before he could comprehend what just happened there was a loud SLAM!
"What-?!"
He pushed himself up to try and find where Solar was, only to see him lying on a dented ground, unconscious- and the now awakened Plantosaur towering over him.
"CAPTAIN!"
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To be continued
This was finished since Dec 31. And it took me my all not to post it yet because I really wanted to finish the animatic first which took me a week-
I've been daydreaming of creating this scene for MONTHS. Bahahaha!
Anyway, hope you enjoyed this!