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Fin! 140. SBCinema Film: The Truman Show Jjs is the unsuspecting star of SBCinema, a parody program filmed 24/7 through thousands of hidden cameras and broadcast to a worldwide audience. Clappy, the program's creator and executive producer, seeks to capture Jjs's authentic emotions and give audiences a relatable every The Kid. Jjs has been the star of SBCinema since he was born and Clappy officially adopted him from his Chather. As Jjs was selected from birth, Clappy claims that Jjs came to be adopted not just by the show, but by the whole "world". Jjs's hometown Community is a complete set built within an enormous dome, populated by forum members, who are actually actors, who highlight the product placements that generate revenue for The Truman Show parody. Speaking of which, today’s episode is sponsored by NordVPN. Staying safe online is an ever growing difficulty and you could be exploited by hackers. NordVPN allows you to change your IP address, making you harder to track, securing your privacy. Check out the link at the end of this finale to get 20% off for the first two months and thank you to NordVPN for sponsoring this episode. The elaborate set allows Clappy to control almost every aspect of Jjs's life, including the sponsors. To prevent Jjs from discovering his false reality, Clappy manufactures scenarios that dissuade Jjs's desire for exploration, such as what shows he chooses to binge watch, by constantly broadcasting his opinions and the opinions of his idols like Irate Gamer, Cr1TiKaL, and everyone’s favorite, Douglas Funny Walker. However, Clappy cannot predict all of Jjs's actions. During his college years, Jjs was intended to be shipped with WhoBob, but fell for an extra named Kat. Although Kat was quickly removed from The Truman Show parody before she could disclose its nature to Jjs, he continues to remember Kat, and secretly dreams of a life outside the internet walls. In the real world, Kat is a part of "Free Jjs", an activist group that seeks to cancel the parodies and have Jjs released. As SBCinema approaches its 10th anniversary, Jjs begins discovering unusual elements, such as the emote reactions falling out of the sky in front of his house and a Discord channel that precisely describes his movements. These events are punctuated by the reappearance of his Chather, who had infiltrated The Truman Show parody, with the crew believing the Chactor was somehow recast. Jjs begins questioning his life and realizes that the Cinema somehow revolves around him. WhoBob's stress from attempting to uphold the charade in the face of Jjs's growing skepticism and hostility causes their shipping to deteriorate. One day, Jjs takes WhoBob by surprise by going on an impromptu Jeopardy game, but increasingly implausible emergencies block their way. During an argument ignited by WhoBob attempting to promote another show for Jjs to watch, Jjs determines that WhoBob is a part of the conspiracy and holds WhoBob at chat point. WhoBob breaks character and is taken off the film parody. Hoping to bring Jjs back to a controllable state, Clappy re-introduces Jjs's Chather to The Truman Show parody properly, under the guise of having lost her memory after an accident. This helps the parody regain the views lead with audiences, and Jjs seems to return to his routines, except he begins sleeping in his basement. One night, Jjs secretly disappears through a makeshift tunnel in his basement, forcing Clappy to temporarily suspend the parody for the first time in its history. Audiences around the world are captivated by this unexpected event, and record numbers login to view the finale. This finale was made possible by audible. Audible is the leading provider of audio books. They have over 180,000 of audio books to choose from. Visit www.audible.com for one free audio book! This is the best place for audio books and I cannot recommend it enough. Clappy orders a community wide search for Jjs and is soon forced to "GIVE IT UP FOR DAY 260" and break the production's day-night cycle to optimize the search. Clappy discovers Jjs running away from SBC. He resumes the transmission and, unable to fetch Jjs, creates a violent storm in an attempt to capsize Jjs. After nearly losing Jjs but failing to break his spirit, Clappy ends the storm. Jjs continues to run until he hits the wall of the dome between fact and fiction. Initially horrified, Jjs discovers a nearby staircase leading to an exit door. As Jjs contemplates leaving his world, Clappy speaks directly to Jjs through a speaker system and tries to persuade him to stay, claiming that there is no more truth in the real world than in his artificial one, where he would have nothing to fear. After a moment of reflection, Jjs says his catchphrase: "welp, back to the old grind clocks out", bows to his audience and logs off. The forum members celebrate his escape, and Kat races to greet him. Clappy's supervisor JCM, in a cameo, finally ends SBCinema on a shot of the open exit door, leaving Clappy to mourn over the truth of his defeat. Jjs's fans—the viewers of SBCinema—cheer upon his successful escape and then, after transmission ceases, ask what happens next. Epilogue - SBCinema Cast Members: Where Are They Now!? -We of course start off with Jjs, now ending the SBCinema once and controlling his fate for the first time in his life. He has decided to attend law school and dreams of becoming the next Saul Goodman. -OWM has taken this opportunity to become a future jedi in training. Rumor has it that he has now adopted the last name, Skywalker. -Everyone’s favorite Chather continues to be the most beloved member of this community and hopes that everyone knows how much they love her. She also becomes a wildly successful artist. -Fred has become a one million plus subscribed YouTuber with his own series where he talks about retail music playlists…which in this writer’s opinion is a very fascinating topic because he also can’t stand what retailers choose to overplay constantly. -SBL gets picked up by a major news network and continues to produce the finest newscasting this world has ever seen. An unnamed high level network executive renames his channel to SBLNN and it becomes the number one rated news network. -OMJ, now rich from his Deathmatch royalties, purchases ROH from Tony Khan and actually gives its own weekly episodic television series. He names Luigi Primo, the Pizza Guy, the first Ring of Honor World Heavyweight Championship. -Trophy sells his cannon…thus beating this ten year dead joke into the ground once and for all. He uses his cannon money to buyout Kirk Cousins contract, thus fixing the core of the Minnesota Vikings problems and why they will not win a Super Bowl with him at quarterback. -Katie moves to New Zealand. Need I say more? -tvguy, a famous politician, continues to ask Nuggets to get on Skype. But Nuggets is too busy topping the Billboard Hot 100 with Dinghy Freestyle. -WhoBob, also now free from the SBCinema, decides to purchase a podcast set from Amazon and launches his own podcast with WhoBro, where they talk about movies and television shows. The title is appropriately named The WhoCast Show. -And just like the above, Kylie and Kevin also top the podcast charts with their music takes. Taylor Swift regularly guest stars. -Rusty is the new owner of all Tennessee sports franchises. Although Rusty still can’t fix what is wrong with the University of Tennessee college football program. -SB&P finally figures out what the eggplant emoji on Discord stands for. -Wintermelon enters the Pokemon league and is now a league champion with his Level 100 perfect IV Arcanine. -Jelly starts up a Beatles tribute band with her family. Their tribute band becomes so big that even Paul McCartney is impressed and Jelly finally gets to meet her idol. -Fa inherits the Pittsburgh Steelers from the Rooney family. Fa's first job? Train Kenny Pickett to be the next great Steelers QB. -Steel becomes one of the biggest animation YouTubers and launches a GoFundMe to start his own cartoon. Mr. Enter gets pissed off that more contribute to Steel’s GoFundMe than they did his. -Sauce continues to live life to the fullest and is now a social media influencer with hundreds of millions of followers. Rumor has it that the her followers are divided as to whether her eyelashes are real. -Danny DeVito has officially signed on to play The Thing in Marvel’s Fantastic Four reboot. -Wumbo enlisted in the MLB draft and is working his way up the minor league farm systems as a five tool prospect. The Toronto Blue Jays are going to call him up this weekend. -Ex’s redemption arch is complete christening it as one of the best arches in SBC history. As he continues to stay in touch with his friends while also going to making one of the longest running animes, Kamen Rider Kizuna. -Kieran gets the role as the re-casted Ursula in 2023's live action Little Mermaid movie. -Aya, revealing himself to be the real Jon Moxley, goes on to win the AEW heavyweight championship this coming Wednesday on Dynamite Grand Slam. -Terminoob becomes the new head of the DC Extended Universe. Finally, the 29046th time is the charm as Warner Bros Discovery merges with NBCUniversal. (This was added in last minute due to the rumors yesterday, holy shit what a trainwreck WBD is now) -4EverGreen’s next season is Total Cartoon-rama. -SOF becomes the new head of Nintendo as SOF finds a way to appease all the Nintendo die-hards by doing away with DLC add-ons and releasing fully made games at launch. For once, Nintendo fans finally are pleased with their semi-annual directs. -Hawk decides to retire early with all the money he has made from owning all those talking heads out there like Ben Shapiro and Alex Jones. -PatBack goes on to write his own television series from his own life experiences and ends up winning an Emmy for Most Outstanding Programming. -Patty being the best graphic artist in the game today, decides to get digitized and finally gets to meet Amy Rose for the first time ever. -Kat is now a world famous journalist and regularly attends award shows, but despite all the renowned fame and glamor, she still gets weak when around her husband, Charlie Puth. -Illiniguy now hosts his own Chicago based sports talk show where he has a weekly interview segment with Justin Fields. -Storm gives Titania her own show on HBO Max while it is still up and running before it becomes a hit on whatever the name of the streaming service will be when it merges with Peacock (I still can’t believe this is happening). -Someone finally becomes Somebody. Thus making this annual reoccurring joke dead. -After years of keeping the forums alive, Prez is now the head administrator of the SpongeBob Community. He is rewarded gratefully by Anthony Fantano reviewing Plaid. -Salmon and Dman team up to run for President of the United States and abolish the two-party system. Thus leading to the resolution of our political landscape. -Honest Slug becomes the new lead writer of Family Guy after Season 24. He finally puts the show out of its misery and gets applauded by the fan base everywhere. -BobCarotte becomes a professional tennis player and wins the 2023 French Open dethroning the king of the clay, Rafael Nadal. -Maroon 5 finally break up. -Teenj succeeds Kevin Feige as the new head of the MCU. His first action is to reduce the oversaturation and focus on quality instead of quantity and not treating its graphic artists and writers like shit. The MCU goes back to reliving its glory days once more. -Omair becomes a famous photographer and even after all these years, he still has a soft spot for Nutella and llamas. -70s names his first child, Prudence. -CDCB and CNF meet up and start a weekly episodic television series about classic cartoons and animation. They go on to have a huge cult following. -Mythix buys King Neptune and follows through with his Winx Club Jeopardy idea this time. -Clappy finally wraps up this overlonged epilogue and goes to have a glass of milk and eats brunch. -And last, but certainly not least. JCM, no longer in a cameo, moves into the leading man role. He watches over us all and is the hero when SBC needs him to be. Because sometimes the cameo isn’t good enough. Sometimes the cameo deserves more. Because sometimes cameos deserve to have their faith rewarded. He's the hero SBC deserves, but not the one it needs right now. So, we'll cameo him, because he can take it. Because he's not our hero. He’s a silent guardian. A watchful protector. The Snark Knight.

Chapter Two: The Revolution As the jet plane still soars through the skies, the Tidal Nova team sits there inside, shocked at Vexacus’s proposition. Kara puts the plane on autopilot and turns around from her chair in the pilot’s room. “Am I hearing you right? You want us to revolutionize bounty hunting?” Kara asked, stunned. “Yes. I know it sounds crazy, but at least hear me out. Aren’t you tired of being told what to do? Having to hunt what the Guild, a criminal organization or a corrupt government dictates, all serving the same crooked system in the end? Outlaws chasing outlaws. Does any of it even matter? Does it feel like anything is truly accomplished when you’re merely a slave to their whims? Why are we only restricted to hunting what society wants us to? We the hunters need to take control of our own destinies so we cannot be shackled to this system of slavery anymore.” Vexacus explained poetically. “Since when did you become a brave revolutionary, comrade?” Sarge asked half-jokingly but also half-seriously. “Since I’ve realized how unfulfilling the current state of bounty hunting is. I’m sure you all feel it deep within. I love this group, but when I joined it to escape my past, I had hoped we wouldn’t fall into the same pitfalls. It’s grown almost repetitive and monotonous. Our experience with Pashir made me realize how disrespected of an art form bounty hunting has become. I don’t know about you, but I am tired of working for morons that nearly get us killed.” Vexacus added. While the Tidal Nova team is moved by his speech, they aren’t quite sure how to feel about actually going along with this idea. “I would like to have control over my own destiny, yeah. But I don’t know if what you’re proposing is even possible, all due respect Vex. How would you get all of the other bounty hunters to be on board?” Daisy asked. “As with any revolution, we need to reach far and wide, about cause. We’d have to get our names out there and it may take a lot of persuading, but I am sure many will come around when they realize they’re mere pawns.” Vexacus suggested. “Clay prefers our group stay under the radar. I don’t think being the face of a revolution is the type of attention he would want, but I’ll let him speak for himself.” Kara added. “That is not particularly the type of attention I’d like, no. There is a textbook of reasons why everything about this can go south. I’m sympathetic to your distaste of a system, and I agree the way it’s set up isn’t always fair to us. But I don’t think just five obscure bounty hunters can convince everyone else to happily go along with this. Yeah, we’ve attracted some attention, good and bad, but not enough to spark a revolution. Even if we assembled an army, we wouldn’t be able to stand up to the Guild, governments and crime families all at once.” Clay said, not having much faith in the idea. “I’m with Clay on this. I admire the passion, but this sounds like a fool’s errand, sorry dude. This is way above my pay grade. The only outcome I see is this ending with us dead.” Sarge replied bluntly. Vexacus can’t say he’s surprised by Sarge’s lack of confidence, but at least he was honest. “…However, you’ve been in our team long enough for us to not outright dismiss your proposal yet, I’ll give you that much benefit of the doubt. We’ll discuss this further when we return to the base and tell you when we reach a full consensus.” Clay added. The rest of the team agrees to this, even though Sarge doubts his mind will be changed. Vexacus figured they wouldn’t be on board right away, especially given how long they had been content going their own way together. He knew they’d need time to think this over and hopes they choose what is right. “I understand. I’ll respect whatever decision you decide on, but I still think it’s worth reconsidering who we work under nonetheless.” Vexacus replied. “Noted. Let’s get back to the base and relax for a bit, I could sure use it.” Kara said, getting back into the pilot’s chair and setting course. Their base, or home rather, was located in the country of Cymada. Bounty hunting is illegal in the country, so having their base there seemed naive on the surface. However, their location stayed under the radar and out of sight because it sat on the outskirts of an obscure forest. A group of bounty hunters having their home in a country where the practice is illegal. It was a perfect contradiction. As the jet plane flies to Cymada, Vexacus reminisces back to the day when his Guild career completely fell apart, putting him on the road he’s been on since. Vexacus had been a New Kelp Bounty Hunter Guild member for two years. He continued to work alongside June well, the two were truly in sync as inseparable partners. However, Vexacus had also begun to show off occasional reckless behavior and disregard for the Guild’s rules. He did not like being confined to their limitations in how he should do his job. Hershel has called Vexacus and June into his office for yet another task. Both were ready as ever. “Hello, Vera and June. I hope you’ve been having a fine day-“ Hershel was saying. “Actually, I go by Vexacus now, we’ve been over this.” Vexacus corrected, as he’s started to go by this name in the past two years. Hershel is somewhat annoyed by his attitude and commitment to this schtick, but decides to let it slide. Vexacus had done more disobedient actions than that over the past two years worth more scrutiny anyway. “Okay, Vexacus and June, your job is to search for an escaped felon named Russo Bell. Last we’ve heard he was attempting to flee the city.” Hershel ordered, handing them Russo’s portfolio. “This should be a breeze.” Vexacus said arrogantly, leaving the room. “June, I’d like to speak with you before you go.” Hershel said to her before she leaves. “What is it?” June asked. “I want you to keep a close eye on Vera. He’ll listen to you. You know how daring and stubborn he gets as of late, I don’t want him doing anything that will jeopardize the mission. He’s nearly let several bounties get away thanks to his carelessness and we need to bring this Russo in.” Hershel explained. “I’ll do my best to keep him in line, sir.” June promised. Vexacus and June drive their Guild boatmobile along a road leading to the outskirts of New Kelp. They’re expecting him to have tried crossing state lines toward Bikini Bottom. Through the mirrors they see Russo making a run for it on the side of the road, heading for the hills. The two get out of the vehicle and chase after him. As they keep chasing, they see a long metal fence surrounding what appears to be a military base. Russo runs for it and climbs over the fence. June hesitates if they should continue seeing the “Restricted Area” warning sign, but Vexacus doesn’t care. “We shouldn’t go in there, let’s find another way. Worst case scenario, they get him before us, but he’s still captured.” June suggested to Vexacus. “No, we’re so close! He’s our target, not theirs! We can do this!” Vexacus said boldly, as he jumps over the gate and chases his prey. June sighs, knowing Hershel would not be happy, as Vexacus gets closer to Russo. He throws a tripwire around Russo’s legs, making him fall to the sandy ground. Vexacus approaches him, when suddenly, footsteps approach. He is then surrounded by several black armored soldiers who point their guns at both. “Don’t take another step!” one of the soldiers ordered. A sharply dressed agent wearing black sunglasses emerges from the crowd of soldiers. “I’m Agent Bishop of the Ocean Protection Force. This is a military property you’ve trespassed on.” Bishop introduced, holding up his badge. “I’ll have you know I’m a bounty hunter who was chasing my target!” Vexacus boasted. “I don’t care who you are, I’m not bending the law for a bounty hunter. You’re not allowed here. Kindly leave the premises or you'll be forced off. We’ll take care of the other intruder for you.” Bishop replied. Vexacus refused to let them deny him the glory of this capture. Imaginary laws written on paper meant nothing to him. He grabs Russo and tries to run for it, but the OPF soldiers begin firing. Vexacus attacks the OPF soldiers, knocking some to the ground and smashing helmets in. Bishop manages to sneak up on him and stuns him with a taser, knocking Vexacus out. Russo is grabbed by soldiers and taken away. Bishop takes note of June observing on the other side. "I assume he's with you." Bishop said. "Yes, I am so sorry about the trouble. I warned my partner not to go there, but he really wanted to bring this guy in." June explained awkwardly. Vexacus and June are seen back in Hershel’s office. Vexacus rubs the spot where he was tasered. Hershel is not happy with Vexacus at all. “You’ve created a messy situation for us. Trespassing, assaulting agents of the Oceanic Protection Force. They’re threatening charges against us unless I comply. I’m afraid this is the final straw.” Hershel said. “I accept what’s coming for me. Get it over with.” Vexacus replied. “You are indefinitely suspended from the Bounty Hunters Guild. It's a shame as I saw potential in you, but you've cut too many corners for me to let fly." Hershel announced regrettably. Vexacus doesn't feel much from this, as truthfully, he wanted out of here for a while. He would miss having June as his partner however. June feels bad, as she too would miss working with him, but could tell this was not the place for him. Vexacus turns over his Guild items. “This is nothing personal, but I have to respect the Guild’s rules. I hope you understand this will make it difficult for you to get legitimate work now, unless you ever decide to apply again. I wish you the best of luck on your future endeavors.” Hershel said, shaking Vexacus’s hand. “Thanks for everything, I guess.” Vexacus replied apathetically, as he and June leave the room. "I'm sorry it didn't work out, but we can stay in touch if you'd like. I'd still like to be your friend." June said, handing him her contact information. "I'd like that, thank you. I will truly miss working with you and I hope you succeed here. Don't let them blame you for what I did. Hopefully you get along with your new partner." Vexacus replied. As Vexacus heads toward the exit, he gives a farewell wave to Lloyd, who still has his headphones on and doesn’t notice. Whatever, Vexacus didn’t need any of them. Perhaps that crazy Hopper fellow was right about him being a slave to the Guild. Now he was hopefully free to bounty hunt the way he wanted. Before leaving, he gives one last look at June. The jet lands outside their private residence in Cymada. The team heads inside and goes to their rooms to relax. Clay stashes their pay from Pashir's government into a vault. Vexacus heads inside of his room, which feels empty in comparison to the other members, mainly because they all had something from their pasts to display. Vexacus had no mementos from his to display because he did not want reminders of the past. One picture sits on the shelf, showing the team together posing for a group photo after capturing a bounty. This was the first mission Vexacus did with the team. He stares at it thoughtfully, happy about the new memories he's made with them. He waits around as the rest of the team discusses Vexacus’s proposal. He continues sitting in his room for a while, deciding to put the television on to pass the time. He then hears a knock on his door and opens, seeing the rest of the group outside. “We’ve reached a decision. It took a lot of convincing and thought, but in the end, we’ll help you with this goal. It will be difficult, so we'll take it slow and not do anything stupid if we want the slightest chance of pulling this off." Clay concluded, pleasing Vexacus. "And we're doing it together as a team, hot shot, so don't try planning without us." Daisy said. "Of course, this is a revolution by the hunters for the hunters. But how did you convince Sarge?" Vexacus asked. "They made a good argument that I should make money the way I want which I can't argue with." Sarge replied, taking a sip from “We’re not the only rogue group of hunters out there. I’ve got a contact in Enhalas who can point us to one of these other groups. I suggest it would be our best starting point, since no way in hell are we convincing official Guild members right away.” Clay suggested. “Very well. Let’s see who we can recruit from your contact.” Vexacus approved. “Sounds like a plan.” Kara said, ready to chart course for Enhalas. Enhalas is a good starting point, Vexacus figured. He knew of the area’s history as a pirate and scoundrel haven. It may be more civilized in the modern era, but it was still a ripe hideout for criminals on the run which attracted the occasional hunters. He heads back inside his room to get his weapons and turn off the television, when a news report catches his attention. "Several members of Nalabar’s largest revolutionary group have been found mysteriously executed. President Pashir's government denies any involvement and no evidence has tied them to the massacre despite suspicions. Several sources are pointing to another country's involvemen-” the news reporter was saying, but Vexacus turns it off, not wanting to hear more. Vexacus is mortified by this. This makes him look back to when he worked for another corrupt ruler, a memory he did not want to revisit, but it also contributed to his current path. Two years after being kicked out of the Guild, Vexacus is seen arriving in Posidonia. As Hershel had warned him, he found it tough to get legitimate work now that he isn’t a Guild member, but still did what he could. Most of his work was from sketchy people, putting him on a questionable path. On the bright side, his disbarment allowed him to travel worldwide and see new sights. He had occasionally kept in touch with June since he left New Kelp who was doing well. He heads toward the castle in Posidonia Fields. The recently elected king put out advertisements seeking help, as he holds up a poster reading “Bounty Hunters Wanted!” He heard this king was quite an eccentric personality. He approaches the castle entrance, looking up at its shining glory. He did not have a high opinion of royalty, seeing their snobbiness reflected onto this castle. The guards prevent him from moving forward, putting their spears in his way. "State your business." one of them said. "I am one of the bounty hunters responding to your king's request." Vexacus said, showing the poster. "You may proceed." one of the guards said, as they allow him through. Vexacus walks through the castle, as soldiers walk around. He sees King Ramos Lannister’s fancy artwork, statues of himself, and the fancy castle decorations. Vexacus is not amused. "What a pompous show-off. But if this job makes me money, I'll have to put up with him." Vexacus said. He then makes his way to the throne room, seeing the doors are open. He walks into the room, seeing Ramos on his throne, with Skipper by his side. Vastacoar and Tobias are also in the room, who are holding the same ads Vexacus has. Vastacoar looks over at Vexacus annoyed, confusing Vexacus. "These fools must be bounty hunters as well. Hopefully I don't have to work with that fellow..." Vexacus said to himself, seeing Vastacoar, and giving a nasty look back to him. "You there! Are you the last bounty hunter? About time you got here!" Ramos called out annoyed to Vexacus. "Yes, I saw your mediocre ad." Vexacus replied, holding it up. "Mediocre? Hey, I'll have you know I put a lot of time and effort into that poster, you inconsiderate jerk!" Ramos ranted, as Skipper approaches with his tea. "I'm sure he didn't mean to speak in a hostile peak, my king." Skipper assured, as Ramos takes the tea and drinks it. "Ehh...if you say so, but I still don't like the looks of that guy..." Ramos replied, sipping his tea and looking at Vexacus suspiciously. Suddenly, Barron von John barges into the throne room on his seahorse, riding it around carelessly, annoying everyone in the room. Vexacus could tell right away whoever this buffoon was, they weren’t cut out for the job. "Bonjour my friends, my apologies for being late! I'm ready for the wild hunt!" Barron said, getting his bow and arrow ready. "Who is this idiot!?” Ramos boomed, viewing Barron as a clown, while the hunters laugh at him. "Hey, I am no idiot! I am Barron von John, one of the best hunters in all of the ocean! I saw your beautiful request and would like to help you, ohoh!" Barron said, holding the ad. "Are you a bounty hunter or some dork roleplaying?" Tobias asked smugly. "Ohoho, I do not bounty hunt, my fine friend! That sounds scary! I am a hunter of animals though, which I'm sure you'll need my skills for!" Barron said, winking. “No! I already have three perfectly good bounty hunters who hunt actual people, I don't need dead weight like you! Also, your ugly seahorse is getting mud all over my floor! Guards, get them out of here!" Ramos demanded, seeing the mud on the floor, as the seahorse gives an irritated neigh at him. Two guards approach Barron and his seahorse, escorting them out of the throne room by force. "No no no, mark my words, you will miss having my amazing skills! You'll regret this! Seriously though, call me if you need me! Anyways, au revoir!" Barron said, waving farewell as he is thrown out of the castle, along with his seahorse. Vexacus had seem some lousy hunters over the past few years, but that guy took the cake. "Alright, that's enough. You three claim to be bounty hunters, right? You better leave a good impression on me..." Ramos said, getting back on track, and eyeing them suspiciously. "Please my king, allow me to introduce myself first. I am Tobias Beckett, the best, skilled and smartest bounty hunter in the ocean, for I have mastered the art of speed. Yes, I am one of the fastest fish alive. Whoever you want hunted down will never be able to outrun me." Tobias introduced, speaking pompously and arrogantly, which annoys Vexacus. "Hmm, very promising. I see some of me in you, and that's great! Anyways, as for you?" Ramos asked, looking at Vastacoar. "I am Vastacoar. I like using my chainsaw to cut my prey to pieces. But I can also keep them in as many pieces alive as you need. I know this is an awkward introduction, but I'm not...good at speaking publicly." Vastacoar said awkwardly, holding out his chainsaw. "Meh, passable. And lastly, how about you, shark number two?" Ramos asked, looking at Vexacus suspicious. "I am Vexacus, a great and powerful warrior. I will not let you down, King Ramos. I will serve this country however I can." Vexacus exaggerated, putting on his best performance. "Eh, sure. You three seem capable enough, though that Beckett guy might just be the best of you three, we'll see! I sure like his potential!" Ramos said, as this annoys Vexacus. "Thank you, honorable King Ramos. I promise I'll be the best hunter of this lot, and you won't even have to pay me, that's how generous I am to accept." Tobias said smugly. "No payment? Works for me! As for you two sharks, eh, we'll figure something out with payment! Now then! You may be wondering who I want you to hunt? I want you to hunt down some enemies of ours in Central Karmania..." Ramos was saying, confusing the three. "...Karmania, you say?" Tobias asked curiously. "Isn't that place, uh, a legend?" Vastacoar asked, confused. “That's what I thought as well..." Vexacus replied, curious. He hadn't signed up to hear fairytales. "No, it's real! The Federation has gained a foothold there, and we're trying to drive off the scum that oppose us there! Skipper, prepare your magic slideshow thing, so these normies know what they're dealing with..." Ramos said to Skipper, as Vexacus looks at them interested in the story behind Karmania. Vexacus had no idea what he was in for, but he had to admit his curiosity peaked. Ramos and Skipper have finished explaining everything to the three bounty hunters. "Alright, to prove your worth, you three can go to Karmania right now and help catch some jerks! Tobias can take the area closest to the castle, Vastacoar can take the north, and Vexacus...you can help my inferior brother Brak in Western Karmania. I'm sure the Battlestar would love the assistance. Got it? Good, now get out!” Ramos demanded at once to the three, as Vexacus walks out annoyed with Tobias and Vastacoar. "Put a smile on that face, Vex. I'm sure you'll do fine..." Tobias said condescendingly to him, as the three head for the Ancient Seal. Vexacus is seen in Western Karmania, approaching a Battlestar campsite. He found this world to be quite the strange detour from what he’s been used to. Part of him still couldn’t believe he was actually in a magical dimension. Brak and several beasts walk out of the tent, wearing battle gear. Brak is wearing red battle armor. "Greetings, I am Vexacus, a bounty hunter your brother Ramos sent to help." Vexacus said, shaking Brak's hand. "Welcome. I did not exactly want help, but so be it, you came this far. There are some irritating pests hiding in the mountains up ahead. You may help me snuff them out." Brak explained to Vexacus. "With pleasure." Vexacus replied. Several rebels Karmanians are seen running through the mountains in panic. Vexacus and Brak run around the area, chasing them down. Brak strikes one down, capturing them. The remaining two try to run up a hill, but Vexacus jumps down, startling the two. The rebels hold out their wooden swords, which Vexacus breaks with his own. He then captures the two, bringing them to Brak. "Job well done. You know, I could use your help at a few other areas, if you're willing..." Brak said. "Indeed, this was fun. You did well yourself, you certainly seem better than your foolish brother." Vexacus replied, as the two laugh. It was truly a mystery to him why Ramos was allowed to be king. "How I wish I could be king, but duty calls. Now then, let the hunt begin." Brak said, smiling. Vexacus and Brak continue to hunt down more rebels throughout Western Karmania. Vexacus and Brak work together well, forming something of a comradely. By the end of the day, Tobias has captured the most rebels, while Vexacus takes second place, and Vastacoar takes third place. After Tobias smugly brags about his count, the three return to the castle late at night. "Tobias, you're a great hunter. In fact, you are now my #1 general! Congratulations! As for you two sharks, eh, you're just extra muscle, don't expect much payment." Ramos announced, annoying the two. "Thank you, thank you, it's an honor..." Tobias replied, bowing before Ramos. Vexacus is walking down a castle hall, when he overhears Tobias from a room. Vexacus leans against the door. Tobias is inside, looking at a map of the castle. "Ah, so that spot is where that moron Ramos keeps all of his precious gold. I'll rob him when he least expects it, but first I need to get those two nuisance sharks out of the way, so nobody suspects anything. During our next hunt, I'll finish those two...forever." Tobias said to himself smugly, as this startles Vexacus. "That sneaky devil...so that is why he took the job, just to get rich. I care little for Ramos, but he will not end me. I will show him..." Vexacus said. Later at night, Tobias is walking home to his mansion, as Vexacus carefully follows behind. Tobias looks around carefully, and heads inside his mansion. Vexacus then pours some gasoline outside of the mansion, and plants a few explosives. Vexacus detonates them, as the mansion starts to burn. “No, my beautiful mansion!” Tobias yelled. Tobias sends a chair right through a window, as he escapes the burning mansion. Vexacus then charges up to him, swinging his sword, but Tobias counters back with his own daggers. The two get into a fight while the mansion keeps burning behind them. “You! Why have you set ablaze to my beautiful home!? I thought we had no hard feelings!?" Tobias asked, putting on an act. "I know your plan. You wanted to rob Ramos, and kill me!" Vexacus replied, swinging his sword. "Heh, you're smarter than I expected, but not smart enough!" Tobias replied. He catches Vexacus off ground, and quickly strikes one of his daggers at Vexacus' left eye. Vexacus yells in pain, feeling his slashed eye. Tobias then quickly runs off, heading back toward the castle. Vexacus struggles to see, but he gives chase. Tobias barges into the throne room, startling Ramos and Skipper. Vexacus follows in not too long after, breathing heavily. “Help! My king, that shark burned down my entire mansion!" Tobias said to Ramos, ratting Vexacus out. "You what!?" Ramos asked, looking at Vexacus angrily. Skipper walks away, trying to stay out of this. "Wait, no, don't listen to this fool! You don't underst-" Vexacus was protesting. "He was clearly jealous you made me #1 instead of him, and he wanted petty payback. Plus, I heard he was planning to steal your treasures!" Tobias lied, angering Ramos. "You idiot, you're fired! And not just fired, but you're banned from Posidonia too! I never want to see you in my country ever again! Guards, get this jerk out of here!" Ramos demanded. The guards grab Vexacus, as they forcibly drag him out of the throne room. Vexacus knocks both out, sending them to the ground. More guards come to surround him, pointing their spears. He knew when to fold. "So be it then. This was a terrible country anyways, but mark my words, Ramos and Tobias, I will be back..." Vexacus said, as he throws a smoke bomb, and disappears. Vexacus runs for his life, not looking back. He hears the footsteps of Federation soldiers in pursuit, but manages to lose them. Great, his big comeback to bounty hunting ended with him being banned from a country. While what happened was Tobias's fault, he's angry at Ramos for taking his side. Thankfully Tobias's ruse would later be exposed and he too would be banned. Karma always finds its way. Vexacus knew this ban was not a good look for future international travel, so he knew he’d need to lay low. Another thing’s for certain: he needs eye surgery fast, as he covers his wounded eye and heads off. Part of Vexacus had wondered deep down what became of Ramos after he left, but ultimately, was content not knowing. He had moved on from that life, but viewed him as another prime example of what goes wrong when you let world leaders control bounty hunters. This was what lead to him wanting to overthrow the fool in the first place, which now that he thinks about it, was his first step in wanting to be a revolutionary. The news report deeply disgusted Vexacus. He would not let someone like Pashir get away with war crimes using bounty hunters again. The team gets into the jet plane. It sets off for Enhalas, where their revolution’s seed will be planted. Notes/Trivia: -Character Debuts: Russo Bell -Area Debuts: Cymada -Flashback Timeline: First flashback is 7 years before the events of Mystic Guardians; Second flashback is the same ones from “The Tale of Vexacus” (albeit slightly altered), taking place 5 years before the events of Mystic Guardians -Cymada is based on Canada and is named after the Cymodoceaceae sea plant. -Bishop from Storm Racers makes a cameo in the first flashback.