2022 Strider A.D. X

Episode X: No Limits: Strider's Fury Unleashed

For weeks, Strider fought simulations of Armageddon's new form. No matter how many times he was floored, let alone beaten down, he rose to fight again, often despite of his condition. Soon he was taken down once more, except now Strider had a serious urge...

Armageddon Image [AI]: You're awfully weak, hedgehog...

Strider [rising] SHUT IT!

AI: You know you are. Without Mist, you stand no chance...

Strider: Shut the fuck up!! You know NOTHING!!

AI: {laughing} You can't save them.... Give up... [repeats in random order]

Strider: No. NOOOO! I CAN save them. I WILL save them!

AI: Face it! You are too weak... You are hopeless. You'll ALWAYS lose......

Strider falls in this dream state, only to find his dearest people who died turn on him...

Random souls: You save US?! I died because of you. You ran away. [in unison] YOU CAUSED OUR DEATHS!!!

Strider: I did didn't I? They died in turn of my existence. I pretty much killed them... I did all this. WHY?!

Soon he encounter's brief flashbacks, hearing himself say the line that gave them hope...

Strider's voice: I am their hpoe, their strength... Relax, I won't die here....

Dawn's voice: They need you... I need you...

VOICE: Do you remember those lines, son?

Strider: It can't be... father?

Jetter's spirit appeared to help Strider cope with his senses.

Jetter: I didn't die just to see my son suffer in the afterlife. I'm disappointed in you, my child. Remember, you have Dawn, Night, your crew, Star; and even me and your family and friends, even though only you can see us in your dreams. Even Mist and Shatter are counting on you, son.

VOICE: So this is your son. Looking at him now, it's absolutely sickening that Dawn married this loser!

Strider: You're... Dusk.

Jetter: Now be nice! He's my sole survivor after all.

Dusk: Heh, sorry. I was trying to give ya a little pep. The boy I heard defended his own family despite how young and weak he was. I want to see him again. You caused no deaths. You only blame yourself for the losses. People die to the reasons of a heartless desire. You have to abandon doubt and pity to unleash your true potential. Dawn and the others need you. Show me you won't let them down!! Show us your TRUE strength!!!

SAS: EMERGENCY!! EMERGENCY!! Armageddon appears!!!

Before Dawn confirms, Strider rushes out.

Strider: Armageddon!!

Armageddon: Strider. Give it up. Your attemps to kill me are useless!

Armageddon attacks Strider, each hit growing stronger over time. Strider keeps guarding and countering, but soon he is left open, which allows Armageddon to pummel him with unearthly damage. As he layed there bracing himself, Star rushes in to assist. Armageddon was taken off focus for a minute, but soon set his sights for Star. He launches a deadly blast hitting the cockpit.

Star: St-Strider... Don't... give in...

Strider: Star! No, not you! Tell me you aren't dying!!

Star: I'll.... see my love soon enough... Strider, tell Dawn th-thanks for everything. You are the world's last hope. Adios, Strider The Hedgehog...

For a brief moment, Strider remembered Mist saying that as well...

Mist: Adios, Strider The Hedgehog...

Strider: STAR!!!!

It was too late. The ship she was on exploded. Soon the entire ship weeped and mourned for Star's sacrifice.

Dusk's voice: Show us your TRUE strength!!!

Soon a distorted wind circled around him, as if he was changing.

Strider: You want my true strength? The full extent of the avenger's power? Well, THIS IS IT!!!

Soon the debris shatters as power bursted out of him. Soon he transforms to his final form. His violet eyes were filled with sadness and anger. The blue fur was surrounded by a golden aura, like super form. Only this time, the power of a true fighter was finally awakened.

Armageddon: WHERE? WHERE DID THIS COME FROM? YOU? Are you doing this?!

Strider: Bastard. You fucking BASTARD!!! You kill so many lives, hoping I'd take the blame. Since you're a glutton for punishment, I'll finish you MYSELF!!!!

As Strider speeds up Armageddon readies himself for an intense fight. The final round is about to begin!!

                                                        Phase End