A Carnival in Darkness: Part 35

When Outworld was truly defeated and Earth was safe again, the people started coming out of hiding. They saw That Man and cheered, calling him a hero for saving the world.

Sephiroth heard what Hamtaro said and he follows all the hamsters as they ran out of the hideout to the tunnel that led up to the surface. Glad to be outside with more room, Sephiroth stretches himself and takes a look around. That Man has successfully destroyed the evil bosses of Outworld and saved the world. The sun shone brightly and there was a huge crowd of people cheering around That Man thanking him for saving the world and calling him a hero. But Sephiroth noticed that That Man looks tired, no doubt the battle has been draining for him. Sephiroth, with a couple hamsters clinging on his wing, goes to That Man and tries to help him stand properly. "Are you okay? You look drained. Do you want me to take you back to the library where you can rest? You can sign autographs and talk to the news reporters later when you are better."

"You are my hero!" James runs out of the crowd and before That Man was taken away he hugs That Man tightly. James was happy to be alive and he has That Man to thank for.

Vega couldn't contain his happiness and he ran over to hug That Man too. "Our savior! Three cheers for our savior!" Soon the greatful people pushed Sephiroth and the hamsters away as they carried That Man on their shoulders to take him away, chanting and singing thank yous to That Man for being the hero to save the world and their lives.

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Sailor Pluto tells everyone that she is fine but she has to leave for awhile to do some last minute things. Sailor Pluto leaves to instantly visit the senshi palace which was far away and there she sees Raven looking like Vega. "Raven, I have to take you back home. All the other senshis are dead, they sacrificed themselves to help That Man save the world. I will take you back to That Man at the time he just defeated Outworld whenever you are ready." Once Diana heard from Sailor Pluto that all the senshis were dead she began crying along with the other senshi cats.

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That Man truly was tired, the most tired he had ever felt in a long time. But there was a grin on his face atleast, knowing he had done the right thing for once in his life. He could only look around at the desolation and death that lay in the wake of conquest for power and it sickened him to see death, knowing he was partly responsible because he wasn't strong enough to put an end to this himself.

As he was helped to his feet by Sephiroth and the hamsters, he only shook his head negatively. "No, Sephiroth...I think I'll be fine, I just need to catch my breath...Alright?" He said before he practically collapsed on the whole bunch of them, going out in the classic way of a hero who didn't want to seem weak.

He would be passed out from exhaustion as he was taken by the grateful people who carried his robeless body off while they sang their thank yous and chanted them as well. For once, he actually felt himself at ease and at peace with himself.

The death of the Senshis to Raven made some part of his heart sink. He had actually grown used to them by the time they had gone off to go and help That Man by sacrificing themselves and giving up their power to him.

"Oh...? They're...Dead?" Was all he could say as he had a solemn look on his face, before he sighed and looked at Sailor Pluto. "Before you take me back to the location of That Man, I need to you do me one favor. Once you do take me to the location of That Man, I want you to go back and get Axl Low as well. I promise that I won't hurt him, but I think I know a way to make things better for the world." He said with hope in his voice.

For the first time in a long time, Raven was genuinely concerned about others and he had quite the plan in mind already, though he did feel a bit foolish with the way he looked right now, made up to be Vega who he knew he was far from being able to compete with.

Axl himself felt such an extreme disturbance right now. He'd grown attuned to the way things felt around him and it just didn't feel right, there was so much death even seeping out to the different dimension of Sailor Pluto's residence.

Looking to Megumi as he stood up and sighed, telling her a few last words before giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Megumi, babe...I gotta go for now, things just aren't right, I'll be sure to be back to you when I get things settled...Okay?" He said as he walked toward the door of the room to exit.

What could this strange feeling be that was bringing him to want to go and get out of this place? What was this feeling that made him feel empty and sad inside when he should be happy? He had a feeling that he'd get his answer soon enough if he got to see Raven or That Man.

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When That Man was finally put down, Vega placed a purple robe on him to wear so he wouldn't feel cold. They all wait until That Man wakes up.

James takes a few steps back so that That Man will have some breathing space when he wakes up. "We should start bowing to our hero."

Sakura wearing Axl's bandana watches over That Man with big eyes. She has also forgotten all about Axl but wishes to hear the hero wake up and speak.