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Kokujo had been silent, his mind had searched for something, anything to say, but came up with a big blank. Not unusual for him of course, social skills and comforting words were as much of a strong point for him as making rainbows and skipping through fields of daisies.

He felt bad though, angry with himself for not being able to think of anything to say, seeing Kold, the person he had considered his rival for all this time, in such a state.... well, he wasn't sure what to think. Everything was messed up, this whole situation with Kold, Yokoshima, everything. He knew though, that it was all they could do right now to keep moving forwards. At least Kyla had been able to talk Kold into calming down - albeit with the exchange of some fists - and he seemed stable enough for the moment. Kokujo knew that Kold's mind would still be in turmoil though. For now though, Kokujo simply returned Kold's look and followed the group into the next room.

It seemed - as the crazy looking zombies emerged and took to the skies - in this instance, Kokujo and Raiden had the same kind of idea. For now he needed to get some irritation off his chest, in the best way he knew how.

Kokujo scowled up at one of the angel zombies as it dived down towards him. "....You're in the way..." He growled. There was thump and a small cloud of dust as Kokujo brought a foot down, bracing himself, and then a smack as he thrust his mechanical arm forward, grabbing the zombie in the face and instantly halting its momentum. He gritted his teeth a little from the pressure of halting the jet-pack-happy zombie. He swung forward, bringing the zombie neatly back around, throwing it by its face, and smashing it rather violently off the ground. "Raah!" he shouted snapping his other arm around and slicing the unfortunate zombie roughly down the middle with his shuriken as he loosed it, the spinning blades hardly slowing as the shuriken curved round to find their next undead victim.

The shadows around Kokujo darkened as Kokujo started concentrating shadow energy"

Meanwhile Corbenik, upon realizing his transportation was a bit more mentally unstable than usual, had taken off, and was now sat in the most zombie-free portion of the room pressing a finger to each side of his head in deep concentration. He was hoping that if he did this enough he'd get a big internal exposition and/or monologue too.

*Kold stares blankly at the door on the other side of the room. He wasn't in the mood for distractions, even whimsical ones like Corbenik's new propulsion system....even if it was hilarious.*

*An angel flies at him and tries to bite*

"One of us...One of us...gooble gobble gooble gobble....!"

*Kold doesn't bother dodging the zombie biting him in the shoulder. He isn't too worried being turned into one, partially because soul bodies are will-based and he doesn't really seem to care much. The Lunar Hope crew's "bodies" in this place are just souls...not bodies. Zombies can't turns souls into zombies, it's against the rules...totally.*

"Whatev....OUCH!"

*the bite hurts a lot more than he expected, and his survival instincts kick in. He suplexes the zombie into the ground. The zombie freezes on impact. Kold lifts up his arms and levitates it and flings it at the nearest zombie. Kold forms an ice couch and flings it a bunch of other zombies.*

"Have a seat." *It'd be more funny if he didn't sound like Kokujo with a hangover, if he didn't like them so much, when he said it.*

*the zombies crash and super die, their beliefs jet packs in shambles. These once proud angels are merely comical incompetent and smelly shadows of their former selves. With despair overcoming their incompetence, the jet packs change form: broken jet packs. The death angel zombies are no longer a threat of any kind. Bored and confused, the zombies eat their own brains and starve from lack of brains. Since they're already dead, this simply looks like their trying to bite their own faces with confused expressions on their faces.*

*a figure approaches from upstairs. Orange armor, white horns, a purple cape, and a malicious great sword: Algol*



*Algol looks down at the angels*

"That damn Faust. Using my former vassals for this." *he looks to the group* "Welcome. You have done well to make it this far. I apologize for Dr. Faust's.....inconveniences." *behind all his headgear, he has a very irritated expression. He turns the zombies to stone. Probably a more merciful fate than incompetence-powered mandatory back rockets.*

"I am curious. How is it you know how to reach this place? Mortals do not possess my powers, nor are any of you 'chosen ones'." *he looks to Kokujo, who looks to be the most calm of the group. Kold looks extremely out of it, Raiden looks preoccupied with helping Kyla, Kyla looks like she's dreaming about catmint ice cream, and Corbenik is...well....1-upping pigeons' hobby with statues...but with bacon.*

"Heh..." *Algol folds his arms, not particularly surprised with Kokujo's answer. "I suppose that's an expected answer. Nevertheless, I welcome you to....what remains of my domain." *Algol almost seems amused that the Lunar Hope crew as progressed so far. Like a native noticing passing tourists on a remote island.*



*Kold snaps out of his daze when he notices Algol*

"Algol! The images from this place are lies, right? There's no way I could have.....could have...." *Kold can't bring himself to finish his sentence. It seems like he still hasn't accepted what he witnessed, even if he knew it was true.*


*Algol shifts his gaze to Kold. His eyes show a glimmer of pity.*



"You already know the answer to that. Anyone can see that you have been wracked with guilt. The moment you saw those images, you were forced to accept what you've been running from for so long." *Algol walks towards the door.* "This place flashes your life before your eyes. The precipice of death is not kind. It will not show you what's convenient, simply what is."


*Kold slams his fist against the wall, furious*

"WHY?! WHY ARE YOU WORKING FOR YOKOSHIMA!? WHY DID YOU LET ME BECOME THAT MONSTER!? TELL ME!!!"


*Algol shakes his head, slightly disappointed.*



"You have come so far, yet you truly understand nothing. If you survive, you will understand in time." *he turns to face the group* "I will tell you one thing: Yokoshima has chosen to play the evil mastermind because it forces a certain response from you. He knew that, sooner or later, you would seek him to pursue vengeance because that's what he planned. Do not underestimate him, and do not forget that he can act differently if he so chooses."

*Algol vanishes through a portal, and the path to the stairs is open.*

Raiden dispels his summons and floats slowly to the floor, carrying the still sleeping Kyla gently in his arms.
I can't speak for Kyla, but I am pretty sure that she and I feel the same. We could be running in endless circles. We could be running right into a trap. But even a trap can be broken out of. I don't believe in invincible beings. Even gods have limits and vulnerabilities. We can only make decisions based on what we want to see in the world. And what I don't want to see is a world where Yokoshima has free reign to interfere with peoples' lives. I can only move forward, and pray that our efforts will be worth it.
He walks towards Kold, ready to move on to the next room.

*the group ascends the stairs once more and is confronted with an interesting sight. They reached a "summit" in a castle. They are outside on a large circular platform. It's floating in the air, yet does not have any problem being stationary like any other part of the castle. Around them they can see the bottom of the castle. There's a ledge below, then the entrance. Murk must have seen them arrive from here. On the opposite side is the entrance to another part of the castle. It seems this place is constructed to be at least two towers.

Between our heroes and the door...are two familiar faces: Brimmstone and Reishi*

"What do you think you're doing Reishi? Stand aside."






"I am a monk of this place: the Spirit Temple. I am obligated to stand in your path as an enemy...no matter how twisted things have become. I don't have a choice. Master Algol gave me the chance to break these shackles....but now it's too late." *Reishi looks frustrated and reluctant. He really doesn't want to be the Lunar Hope Crew's or Brimmstone's enemy.*

*Despite being outside, the area shows the events from Brimmstone and Reishi's memories like the other rooms. This realm is still quite mysterious.*


*The scene switches to a familiar setting. Clutch Castle on Daigo Isle, G.R.A.S.P.'s former base of operations. The senior members of the organization are having a meeting in a circular white room with multiple thrones in it; appropriately it's called the Thrones Room.

Opposite of the door is the tallest throne, reaching near the ceiling. It's a marble structure with glowing blue runes on it, with a sort of regal look to it with the flowing cobalt robes flowing off of it. The front has a regal crest of a blue wizard hat with runes circling it. Each one stands for "sight", "hearing", and "touch"...in that order, repeating over and over. The structure has the feel of a tribe, forgotten by time. Upon the throne is Grenzenlos Daigo: the last of the Daigo clan of sensory monks, who were feared for their power to copy any ability they witnessed. He is much better known as the leader of G.R.A.S.P. though.


"Let us rejoice, my compatriots. Azrael has returned. What can we do for you today?"

On his left is an indigo throne slightly shorter than his. The second throne is enblazoned with the kanji for "samurai" (literally meaning "servant") in green on each side. On the front is a red circular symbol with a katana pointing down in the center. Upon closer inspection, the outlines are shaped to be vines and the sword is placed at the end instead of a flower. None other than Bushimaru Kusunoki...successor to the Kusunoki samurai family who served the Daigo family for generations. He is ranked #2 in G.R.A.S.P. and served as Grenzenlos' personal body guard.



*he's glaring at the two guests with suspicion. A dark knight and the pale boy with white hair.*

"If Daigo-sama welcomes your presence, I shall not protest. However, you had best treat him with respect. That is your only warning."

*Bushimaru's hand, already on his katana, clicks the sword out of it's scabbard just enough to show that his sword is quite sharp.

Next is the #3 chair. An ebony tower with green neon lines running through it. The lights follow a distinct pattern (reminiscent of Tron). The neon lines are actually displayed as binary (1s and 0s), but it's hard to see it unless you're up close. It belonged to Dejitaru, the reluctant rank #3 of G.R.A.S.P. If Bushimaru hadn't been infinitely stronger than him and hadn't insisted on being ranked #2, Dejitaru would be ranked higher because he's essentially G.R.A.S.P.'s right hand. Grenzenlos provides the resources, Dejitaru provies the technology and intelligence. He taps his finger, impatiently waiting for this meeting to end.*


*the next throne is completely featurless. An immaculate ivory throne seated slightly lower with Anahata sitting on top. The boy is a mystery, but it's known that Bushimaru taught him martial arts and is a master of White Haki. He says nothing, yet gives the visitors a curious "look" through his blindfold.*



"...?"



*Algol steps forward*

"You will refer to me as 'Algol' from now on. To remind you of your contract....Faust gave you the first half of Zain Tablet so that you may acquire the Blade Trinity: Excalibur, Masamune, and Kusunagi to summon Zain. You may continue to borrow it as long as you continue to honor your the terms of that contract. I assume you have mortality-related issues to wish for, yes?"

*Algol does not seem pleased. As the former High Angel of Death, cheating one's mortality is something he's not a fan of. He looks to Bushimaru, but then to Grenzenlos.*



"I have not forgotten, and we will continue to honor that contract until our business is complete."


*Dejitaru raises an eyebrow at the key words "first half", skeptical about the prospect of another specific artifact.*



"We already know how to activate the wishes. We can find the swords on our own. What can this so-called 'second half' offer us now?"




"I suppose knowing the conditions and risks involved with your wishes, as well as the formula for making new types of wishes, other than the examples listed on the first tablet are of no use to you then?"



"Do not be hasty, Dejitaru...Algol would not squander our meeting with trivialities. Indulge him until his proposal is complete. Perhaps we have more to gain from interest rather than indifference."


*Dejitaru rolls his eyes, but decides to allow Grenzenlos' business sense to take the floor for now.*



"Tch. Fine. Let's see it."



"Indeed." *Algol summons the second half, which explains what he promised in an ancient text.* "You may use this as you see fit, in exchange for enlisting Reishi as part of your organization. All information you gather must be shared with Reishi. Should we discover that you are withholding anything from my master, I will personally make certain you regret it. If you comply, then your wishes will be granted. Do we have an agreement?"


*The founding G.R.A.S.P. members discuss it amongst themselves briefly, then all face Algol*



"Very well. We will operate under this new condition in addition to the prior arrangement."


*he summons it in front of Grenzenlos, then it gently lands in his hands. Algol turns to Reishi and speaks.*



"You are also free to make a wish as well. Should the opportunity arise, you may do so."

*Reishi stares blankly at Algol with utter disbelief.*




"You mean....I can finally die...! I can be free of this pain...!?" *Reishi's practically in tears*

*Algol turns to leave*



"Yes. I will allow you this chance. If you fail, or choose not to...then your soul will continue to be bound to the Spirit Temple within Horizon. Grant or your wish or continue your eternal service."


*the image fades, and Reishi stands with a solemn expression on his face.*

Raiden continues to carry Kyla as he watches the memories unfold.
"G.R.A.S.P. eh? Now that was a while ago."