We headed for Daybreak immediately. Zeke was nowhere to be found, but found Charlie, and he lead us to Castle Oblivion. “So Kexez did that? To Jenny?” He asked, pointing at her as she just followed us everywhere quietly.

“Yes, yes he did.” I frowned, even though I still looked like I was in my early thirties. “And I don’t know what he fully did to her...but you’d have to take a back seat on fighting Kexez here…”

“Like hell.” Charlie said. “I might be some clone of Zeke, but I still got his drives and determination. Kexez shows up, I’m gonna at least injure him before my head rolls.”

“As long as he gets beat for the crap he’s done.” I sighed out. “So, mind if I use your Castle Oblivion? Cause...well Core stole it a long as time ago.”

“Of course. Most of the labs and such are in the Basement so the upper levels are just for a mix of storage and sample gathering.” He said. We arrived at Daybreak’s Castle Oblivion, and he opened the door. Once inside, he motioned for us to head to the door. “Just have Jenny open the doors and memories of hers should form a world on the other side.”

“Alright.” I nodded while stepping to the side. “Go on Jenny.” I said, motioning her to the door.

She walked up to the doors, grabbing the handles and… pulled. The doors don't open. It was like they were locked. “Well...that’s new.”

I blinked...only to face palm. “Oh please don’t tell me…” I muttered, fearing the worst here.

“It might be...her not having memories she can’t open them, nothing to remember.”

“Hold on…” I said, checking to see if I still had that radio frequency to Kexez. “This thing better not be trackable…” I muttered, knowing Cript gave this thing literally everything but still.

”Having troubles are we?” Kexez’s voice came on. ”I was expecting your call.”

“What did you do asshole?” I growled.

“Well, I’ll admit her memory loss isn’t natural.” We all turned around, seeing Kexez walk in, closing the door behind him.

“Are you going to answer me or are you just gonna stand there while I beat the smugness out of you?” I growled.

“Hm. If you had stayed around during our little event in Rapture, you’d have learned of my little game. Patience isn’t really a virtue of yours is it?”

“Actually that part was your fault.” I said. “When I said something happened because it was your fault you laughed and immediately kicked me and Jenny out along with letting the Crystal Empire and all its people free.” I explained. “But patience is a virtue, it’s just when a cock goblin like you probably tortured my daughter, ripped away her memories and drugged her to hell and back she became a killing machine, that’s where I draw the goddamn line.”

“Really? That is where the line is drawn. Still leaves so many paths to cross.” He said, turning around and crossing his arms. “I feel hurt. HA! I’ll give you her memories, or rather, you’ll have to find where I put them.”

“You hurting my daughter, or family in general is where I draw the line. But what do you want this time you overhyped piece of shit?” I asked, thinking that Kexez is just overhyping himself hard at this point and just being an annoying douche.

“Overhyped? Now that hurt. Go on then if you think yourself that much stronger. Hit me as hard as you’d like. I won’t even block.” He said, not even turning around, nor changing his posture.

“I know you're playing me.” I deadpanned. “Given your Zeke’s Nobody you're probably oh so stupid strong and I can’t hurt you yet because, of course, your one of the final bosses and I can’t hurt you or kill you yet even thought I would oh so love to.” I said, not being some run of the mill angry idiot. “Mind telling me how to get Jenny’s memories back?”

“You know, Nobody doesn’t quite fit me anymore.” He said, now placing his hands on his hips. “At least Nobodies have souls. I was born without one...thanks to a certain Maiden in Black… Still, that brings me to this little scavenger hunt I’m putting you on.” He said, turning his head to face me slightly. “I believe you are familiar with your realities Bolitaria, correct? I believe they kicked you out for not having a soul too if I’m correct. Heh, who’d have guessed that.” He said, turning and walking over to the nearest wall, and leaning against it. “So, on that world I have hidden five cards, each holding memories of Jenny’s. Just kill their holders, and claim them as your prize.”

“And it’s just the five cards?” I asked, wanting to make sure it’s just the five. “Or is this only step one of ten?”

“I made twenty, so this game isn’t ending that quickly my…old friend.”

“Old friend…” I shook my head. “Zeke is my friend, you are only a part of him corrupted by Psychopath blood and on a whirlwind rampage to fucking everything up.” I frowned.

“Heh. To each their own.” He said, waving his hand as a DTD opened before me. “Shall we begin?”

“Might as well.” I said honestly. “At least now I’ll probably have some god damn stress relief here.” I muttered.

We arrived in the Nexus. The normal amount of people from last time where here, meaning nothing’s really changed since I was here. I was immediately approached by the Maiden, who this time just nodded. “A strong soul Indeed you now possess. A powerful slayer of demons you shall become.” She said before moving along to tend to some candles.

“Yep.” I nodded. “Now, I was told from an...acquaintance that there are five beings with a special item. Do you have any idea where any special people given special items would be?” I asked, thinking she was a good source of info on the world I haven’t been to for at least ten technical years.

“Nothing much has changed here slayer of demons.” She said, relighting some candles with her long stall thing. “I’m afraid I do not know what it is you seek.”

“Well...can’t say I didn’t try…” I muttered. “Okay...so mind if I ask what the major areas of this place are? Cause that’ll probably him me a bit in my search.”

“The five archestones each linked to a single standing relating stone in their respective sections, Slay the demons blocking these other archstones and make your way to each lands head demon.”

“Okay…” I nodded, that not answering my question but I suppose I’ll take it. “Now...where to start…” I muttered, looking around for the way out of here to start my search.

“There is the Boletarian Palace, Stonefang Tunnel, Tower of Latria, Shrine of Storms, and Valley of Defilement. Bewarned each archstones’s unique threats.”

“I will. Thank you.” I nodded. “Well, better get going so I can start my search.”

I walked up to one of the archstones… not sure how to do this. I touched it, and was wrapped in this green glow of light. When it faded I was...inside this damp, dark prison cell that was missing it’s door.

“Okay then…” I muttered, using my assistant in hopes of getting a map of the place just so I wouldn’t backtrack on complete accident.

As I was checking it I heard a bell ring nearby. “Well...never played Demon’s Souls but I did play Dark Souls...maybe the Chosen got to the bell?” I wondered, not sure if the place already had a bell and I’m just mistaking stuff or what. “Let’s hope it’s just ambient noise…” I muttered, knowing that enemies would be appearing right about now if it was a bell to signify the next part of the game as I looked around worriedly.

I was in...a prison or something. It went down...rather far. I backed away from the edge of this walkway against the wall… that’s a way to put fear into you. “Wait, I can fly.” I frowned, summoning Lindworm and seeing if I could do this cause of the world being different.

Thankfully I was able to fly, and did. That’s when I saw what looked like a Cthulhu human thing with a lanturn/bell thing. It was shooting lightning at me. “Oh.” I summoned Foudre and throwing it into the abomination and hit it, the lightning attack it threw at me redirecting towards what was basically a magical lightning rod.

It electrocuted itself, almost comically how it stood when that happened before falling over. I fired a shot from sharpshooter, killing it and landing myself back onto the walkway. “Okay then, that was something.” I frowned.

“Hey, You! Yes You!” I heard someone calling. Below I think. Looking down, I saw a very blue, ethereal man in one of the cells. “Get me out of here!”

“And if I do?” I asked. “But who are you if I may ask?”

“Lord Rydell. As you can see I’m a Phantom. I need to take back an item from my corpse! Please, it’s urgent.”

“And what’s the item?” I asked, hoping it’s something revolving around Jenny.

“Come on man! I’m a white Phantom, I won’t up and kill you. Not unless I’m killed like this and come back as a Black Phantom. Besides the point, please!”

“Okay, but mind helping me search for something as well?” I asked, ready to break the cell doors given I’m strong enough.

“Yes of course. I always repay my debts.”

“Thank you.” I nodded while walking over and using my enhanced strength to basically rip off the rusted iron door off it’s hinges.

“My word. You must be quite the demon slayer. Come then, my body is this way.” I followed Rydell to his body, his corpse was mangled and long since decayed. He grabbed something, then held up a bow staff long since broken. “Damn, I really liked this weapon. Well, a deal’s a deal Sir… what is your name by the way?”

“Ben.” I said honestly. “But have you seen anyone with a card?” I asked.

“Card… Not a person, but an odd creature of pure darkness passed my cell some time ago. It had a blue card in it’s mouth. Is that what you are after?”

“Yes, that is exactly what I’m after.” I said. “Do you know where it went?”

“Judging from the path it took I’d say it went to the Fools Idol room. You see, this whole place is a Prison, and Church, though, the ‘Idol’ is a doll given life by the Old One. She lures them to her room, demons drag them upwards to the highest point, and another Demon called the Man Eaters devour them, then yet another demon, The Old Monk, Delivers the souls to the Old One. This place is basically their meat and soul factory. Nothing here but Soul Starved and Demons, well, save for Freke.”

“Is he a friend or foe?” I asked curiously.

“Friend, definitely. He’s a revolutionary in the field of spellcasting. His spells have protected and kept many alive in the early days of this mess. He came here to acquire demons souls to craft new, more powerful spells. Sadly I am unsure where he is being kept here.”

“Well good thing I'm gonna be searching this entire damned place looking for where the that dark creature went.” I said honestly.

“I can show you to the Idols room, but all the direct pathways are likely either guarded or collapsed/locked.”

“Thank you.” I nodded.

The way to the Idol was riddled with fights. We were at the lowest area, and here, where I saw what looked like a horde of these Soul Starved, bundled together in an unholy orb of bodies, walking, shooting a huge projectile of magic, and attacking with various blades when we got too close.

“Well...that’s not fucked up at all.” I frowned, not believing someone did that.

“In the depths of a corrupt church are just some of what Demon’s do with their power.” Rydell said, finishing off the thing with a swipe of his broken Bow Staff. We found some spare keys and when we climbed back up came across. “Freke!” Rydell said, running over to the locked cell door. Inside was a very old man, and behind him a glowing bright light.

“Hello?” I said to Freke, wondering what the glowing light was for.

“Hm. What? Oh, Visitors. Lovely to meet you both. I’m Sage Freke the Visionary, or so the Schools all call me. I don’t suppose you can get me out of here now, can you? Been locked up here for a while now.”

“Don’t worry, we’re getting you out.” I said, walking over and ripping the door off it’s hinges again.

“Why thank you young lad.” Freke said. “Give me a moment, I can return to the Nexus on my own from there, and, even at my old age, I can assist. Bring me a Demon’s Soul and I can craft a powerful spell for you to use along your journey.”

“Thank you.” I nodded. “By the by, have you seen anyone with a card?” I asked curiously, wondering if Freke also had a lead on if another person with Jenny’s memories was here at all.

“Hm… A few days ago, I heard someone, to my suprise, say that they were giving each of the demons here a special item to guard. Who was speaking and to who I am unsure. All I know is that it must have been a lady with how she laughed as they said that.”

I frowned at that. “Spoiled…” I growled to myself. “Thank you, you sure you don’t need help getting back?” I ask, knowing he was a powerful sorcerer but wanting to make sure he was at least going to be alright when he gets to safety.

“I just need a moment to let my old bones gather enough strength, then I’ll head to the Archstone nearby. I’m old, but not helpless. Here, take this as thanks.”: Freke said, handing me a long wooden stick. “This Catalyst will let you cast any magic that is intelligence based.”

“Thank you.” I nodded while taking the Catalyst.

We left, and came across an area connected to a long bridge, with a giant statue that opened up, and revealed rows upon rows of large...Crossbows, for lack of the proper word, all firing along the bridge. “Well, now how do we avoid that?” Rydell pondered.

I thought for a moment. “Well…” I wondered, summoning Fair Game and throwing a card towards the arrows, making it increase it’s size so it was big enough to block the arrows. “I wonder if these can block arrows…” I wonder.

The arrows all impaled the card, but didn’t go through. Using that for cover, we ran across the bridge, and once across Rydell found the switch that turned off the device. With that done we went along up a stairway, and found ourselves outside a long stairway towards a huge set of doors. “This is it, the Fools Idol’s Church.” Rydel said, waving an arm to ‘display’ it all. “Where poor fools are sent to death.”

“Yeah, all the demons here.” I said, cracking my knuckles for what’s to come.

We opened the doors, seeing Soul Starved all around, praying in a way. Once halfway in, the doors behind us shut, and from above this woman in dark clothing floated down, a book in grasp and a soft smile on her face. She then waved… a Blue card in front of us. “Is that it?” Rydell asked.

“Yes, that is exactly what I need.” I said, drawing Reunion and Frozen Pride. “Okay lady, how do you want to do this?” I asked simply. “Do we do this the easy way, or the hard way?”

She put the card away, spun around as two doppelgangers appeared next to her. They all vanished, and reappeared in different areas. “I’ll take that’s the hard way.” Rydell said.

“Yep, she really wants to die.” I said. “So, let’s get started.” I said, looking at the three and seeing if I could get their health bars so I know how long this will take.

It wasn’t that long. Question is, which one is her? We split up, Rydell taking one while I took another, and the third we had to dodge it’s spells.

I moved quickly to one of them and slashed at the mage, hoping this will be the real one.

It vanished, and the third unattended one shooting a bolt at me that knocked me down to the ground. It hurt...but not all that bad… This thing is weak as all hell!

I raised Frozen Pride as shards of ice shot towards the third one.

It impaled her, and I saw her HP bar fall to Zero as her body hit the ground. “That was all it took?” Rydell said, his copy vanishing with the real one dead. As I began to move around, dealing with the soul starved followers, A mad laugh came from above. High above, a soul starved glowed with a golden aura. “AHAHAHAHAHAHA! Fools Die! You will both fall to the Maiden's hand!” He yelled, the Corpse of the Demons rising as it glowed with a similar aura. She came back, this time though, that crazed man tossed down to her what looked like a poorly stitched sloth Kingdom Key. When she grabbed it, it flashed black, and looked metallic now. It looked real.

“And here we go…” I muttered, flying after the crazed bastard so he wouldn't bring that bitch back.

Before I got high enough she dragged me down, slamming her fake Keyblade into my spine. Rydell used his broken bow staff and knocked her aside, helping me up. “You okay?” He asked.

“Yeah I'm fine.” I said, thankful for my defense and it not breaking anything. “Unless we kill whoever that was bitch over there isn't gonna stay dead.”

“I don’t have a Bow or Cata… The one Freke gave you, let me see it.” Rydell asked.

“Here you go.” I said, handing him the Catalyst. “Please tell me you got something up your sleeve here.”

“Just need a boost.” He said, waving the Catalyst over himself as this yellow glow came over him. He then jumped...HIGH and caught the ledge of where that mad man was. “Enhance Agility. Never used it before but-” He pulled himself over, and knocked the mad man over, an audible crack in the air as he fell. “Never hurts to know as many things as possible.”

“Yeah pretty much.” I said, looking over at the lady to see if she falls over.

She didn’t, so, I summoned Skysplitter, running up to this Doll Demon and slamming it into her chest like a baseball bat. She was sliced clean in half, dying in a fade of white light as two things fell to the ground. A small grey orb. And the card.

Rydell carefully climbed down, landing next to me. “A demon’s soul, and what you where after. Something tells me this is not the only one, is it?”

“One down, four more to go.” I said, grabbing the Card and Demon Soul.

“Well then, if that is all then this is where I part ways with you Ben. I’ll be in The Nexus, working to repair my weapon. You take care of whatever is ahead, alright?” Rydell said.

“I will.” I nod. “And I might ask for your help if that’s possible...but just a quick note, if you feel the Nexus shaking, don’t panic it’s just me going into...well someone really pissed me off.” I said to him honestly.

“I’ll keep that in mind. Till next time Ben.” He said, turning around and leaving. As he exited the doors he turned around, a...fog, covering the doorway. “Crap! Ben!” The fog covered it up, and I was stuck in here now.

“Fuck.” I frowned, looking around. “Okay, who’s here?” I called out, knowing something’s about to appear with the fog door.

In front of me I saw a black stone appear on the ground, and from it a red aura… till a person showed up. “Woah...it worked.” It was a woman, voice said it all, her cloak was… like mine?

“Who are you if I may ask?” I asked curiously.

“Huh? Oh! Hi...wow. Your like me!” She said, taking off her hood…. She was a dire wolf person too. Her eyes a deep green, hair same brown as mine, and fur a light blue/grey. “I’m Betty!”

“Ben.” I said. “I have...several questions...like how a apparently you might be...the female version of me.” I said a little worriedly.

“”Hmm...I don't see it.” Betty said, looking me over. “Hey, you got a cloak like mine! Copycat!”

“Hey, I ain’t copying shit here.” I frowned. “From where I see this you’re copying me, cause Rarity made this for me.” I said honestly.

“Well I asked… a friend for this so you copied them!”

“My fiance made this for me.” I frowned. “And when did you get it?” I asked simply.

“I uh...told you, I asked someone for this.” She said, clearly avoiding the question.

“A friend huh?” I asked. “Or...is it someone you like?”

“What, no. I met him… How to phrase this…?” Betty began thinking. “Do you know a place called...Earth?”

“That would be my home world...that’s been long dead for the past hundred plus years.” I told her.

“Wait, what?! I’ve been traveling for just the last few months by my count...God I should have asked for a phone with unlimited battery life and was unbreakable… So, you came from that mess too huh?” She asked, taking a seat on the floor.

“Not the only one.” I said while sitting down as well. “Where do you want me to start?”

“Well if earth is dead, no point in really wondering about it to be honest. How about you? What were you doing when that all went down?”

“Well I was in my high schools library at the time, feel asleep, met God, then went to Equestria with powers.” I shrugged. “The hundred years passing was because time is a weird thing on different worlds.” I said honestly.

“Huh. Where did you live?”

“In Ohio.” I said honestly.

“Huh, Country boy huh? Heh. I lived in New York. On 2012 I was just lazing about my place when I got the not-so-smart idea to try and see what all the noise outside was. I got hit by a Firetruck… Woke up in that white void place, talked with god. He made me a furry, which I was a hardcore one back on earth, and I always loved the Dusks from Kingdom Hearts, so I asked for an overcoat that made me look like one. I then asked for the ability to travel between worlds, and a sword. Girl’s gotta have protection. Been going from place to place ever since.”

“Alright then, well I’ve been doing this for at least half a year if not more, I happen to have all Fourteen weapons the Organization uses, am the Heir to Nothingness and so much more...all on the basis of I was a ‘Nobody’ in my old life, might as well start off my new life as an actual Nobody.” I explained. “And that’s barely scratching the surface of what I’ve been through.”

“Neat. I just got to this world a few days ago. Found this stones and was told one lets me invade parallel worlds. So I did. Didn't think it would work though.”

“Well it did.” I said. “And now I’m stuck here until you leave.” I said honestly.

“Heh...oh…” Betty said, scratching the back of her head. “Hey...mind if I try something?”

“Your not allowed to hit me.” I said, having a feeling I know what’s gonna happen here. “But what is it?”

“Just let me take your hand. I think I can use my ability to physically be where you are. I’ve only ever traveled worlds, not Parallel worlds, so this will be new for me. I wanna see if it works.”

“If you say so.” I said while moving out my hand for her to take.

She grabbed my hand firmly, the air began looking wavy, everything felt heavy and there were sparks of light appearing in and out of thin air. As I started to get worried everything shook, the red aura around Betty began fading. When it was all gone everything stopped suddenly and she fell to her knees. “Jesus that took a lot out of me…” She wheased. “But hey...it worked… Ouch.”

“Hold on.” I said while summoning my Lexicon. “Curaga.” I said, casting a heal spell on Betty to give her some of her energy back.

“Heh, thanks. That was helpful.” She said, standing back up wobbly. The fog fell. Rydell entering.

“Ben. Oh...what happened here?” Rydell asked.

“Just a new person here.” I said, motioning to Betty. “This is Betty, Betty this is Rydell.” I said.

“Hi.” Betty said.

“Hello.” Rydell replied. “Well, since it’s not what I feared, I’ll be off then. Later Ben.”

“So, where you going next Ben?” Betty asked.

“Well there’s four other things I need to find here…” I said, thinking of where to go next.

“What are they?”

I brought out a card. “Cards that hold parts of my daughters memories.” I said. “And the cockhole that did that to her has hidden five here, and fifteen somewhere else.” I growled.

“Hm…” She pondered. “There are five Archestones and therefore, five possible bosses guarding them. Question is, did he put one in each area, or what?”

“Knowing him he gave one to each boss in those areas.” I said honestly.

“In that case, the next place, or boss is the Maneaters. You ready for them? The way to them is...creepy.”

“I’ve seen creepier.” I said, remembering the time me and Joy fought a Void Knight in the diamond dog kingdom and how that weird face was a mix of a Mind Flayers, a Dogs and a human’s head.

“Well then, come on.” Betty said, walking me to an alter of sorts. It was right then four demon looking things flew down, surrounding us before grabbing us and flying us high up, dropping us off on a ledge next to a stairway. “Can that be called an elevator?” Betty asked as she got herself up.

“Originally those things were to bring dumb people up here to die.” I said honestly while getting up as well. “But now that that lady is dead...I doubt many will fall for the bullshit.”

We walked up the stairs, and saw three tall towers, each connected by a series of long...thin...high up bridges. “...Afraid of heights?” She asked, looking over the edge.

“I can fly. Are you scared of heights?” I asked honestly, having flown from both my glider and other ways my old fear of heights just kind of went away rather quickly.

“A bit.” She said, looking around. “It’s those things I’m concerned about.” She pointed. In the distance, atop from statues and archways, sat the same demon things that brought us up here, armed and eyeing us. “Do you have a ranged weapon or something?”

“Are you going to attack us!?” I called out to the demons, looking at them and waiting to see if they give me a signal of they are hostile or not.

“Usually in game they attack when you get close enough.” Betty explained. “Can’t sneak from them so we have to kill them. Please tell me you have a bow or something?”

I summoned Sharpshooters. “Yes, I do, and they never miss by design.” I told her. “Okay...so slow and steady then.” I said, staring at the demons and practically daring them to come attack us if they want to die.

“Well, come on then.” Betty said. We ran down the way, immediately they began charging towards us. I fired walls of arrows at them, each landing and ending them, the demon things falling from the sky. Once inside the first tower, we saw a huge, pulsating flesh mass wrapped in cloth and chains. It took up the whole inside just about. “To this day, I have no idea what that thing i- DEAR GOD IT REAKS!” She yelled, covering her nose.

I zipped up my hood, thanking god that it doubles as a hazmat suit. “Alright then, so here’s the demon that’s gonna die unless it starts talking and be friendly.” I said honestly, having a feeling this thing will want to attack us.

“Higher up. We gotta break the chains keeping this mess up then the stairway up to it will be open.” She said, hand covering her nose.

“How strong are the chains?” I asked simply. “Or do we need to actually activate something so the stairway will appear?”

“Normally, but if you can break them here it’s a cheat working around running around this place.”

“I can certainly break those chains.” I said, aiming Sharpshooters and firing at the chains, pretty sure my shots are strong enough to break the chains.

I fired, the chains sending the mass crashing down to the floor below as we bolted above to the boss. Here, another fog wall awated us. “Just behind here is the Maneaters… God I hated this fight back on earth…”

“If there holding one of my daughters memories…” I said, summoning Skysplitter. “There going to wish they stayed dead.” I growled, walking up to the fog door and putting a hand up to it.

My hand broke it as I entered, and once through Betty followed. Once on the other side, the Maneater ran at us, swiping at me with it’s large talons.

I smacked the thing with Skysplitter before it could touch me. “Yeah no.” I frowned. “Okay, given I heard ‘Maneaters’, where are the others?” I asked simply, ready to beat the shit out of these things.

“The second one comes out when this one reaches about half health or dies. Usually.” Betty informed.

“Sure.” I said. “That sounds like the Gargoyle fight in Dark Souls 1 actually.” I mentioned, drawing Sharpshooter and firing at the thing.

My shots hit, but it was clearly tougher than the one before it. He then took to the sky, and roared doing flyby swipes. “That was not his ingame moveset!” Betty yelepd, ducking a swipe.”

“Well then you probably haven’t fought this thing enough.” I said while blocking with Skysplitter and firing a charged shot at the thing.

The charged shot imbedded itself into its skull,, and it fell into the depths below. Just then, the second one came out, landing on the bridge before roaring at me, it’s eyes bright yellow and...the card in its teeth...

“You picked the wrong day to roar at me.” I growled, swapping out Skysplitter and Sharpshooter for Lunatic, my fur growing as rage started increasing my strength. “I’d...recommend not getting in the way.” I growled at Betty, not wanting to hurt her on accident but knowing Lunatic is pretty fucking strong something might accidentally happen.

She backed up, and I swung Lunatic at the Maneater ran right into its swing. To a bit of a comedic surprise, his body fell over the edge, but his head hit the ground before me. “HOLY SHIT THAT WAS COOL!!” Betty screamed, the Maneater’s head vanishing, leaving the card, and a Squirming Demon soul.

“That’s what it gets for facing the rage of a Moon surviving a supernova.” I said honestly, dismissing Lunatic and calming down as I collected both the soul and the card. “And my rage for holding my daughters memories.”

“Well, next Demon is the last one for this area. It’s a bit off. It’s not the body itself, it’s the golden fabric wrapped around it. In game it summonses a Black Phantom to fight with since it’s body before now cant handle a fight, given it’s basically a mummy at this point.” Betty said.

“So basically it can’t do much but it’s Phantom can?” I asked curiously.

“Depending on who or what it summons and how strong they are, yeah, it possesses them. We kill the phantom, and it dies. It’s linked to whoever it possesses.”

“Oh wait…” I summoned my Lexicon and sifted through the pages to see all the Necromantic spells I know. “If it’s a Mummy, that means it’s undead, and if it’s undead then I’m pretty sure I can make it serve me.”

“No Ben, it keeps it’s host alive till it drains them, then moves on. It’s host looks like a mummy, but it’s just a powerful human kept alive by...a demon cloth… Huh, sounds less cool when said out loud.”

“Oh, okay then. So kill it then.” I said honestly.

“By killing whoever it summons to possess next.” Betty concluded. “Come on, just up this stairway.” She pointed, the end of the bridge showed an opening, and a single stairway leading even higher up.

“Alright then.” I said. “But I wonder if I can break the possession...or the fact the summon will have to fight us either way?” I wondered honestly.

We headed up, reaching the fog wall to this last bastard. Once on the other side, I saw whoever it was, wore a simple knights outfit, wielded a spear, and had that gold cloth wrapped around their head… “Looks really dumb huh?” Betty said.

“So I just take the headband off?” I asked, feeling like that’s a lot better solution then killing him.

“It can’t come off. That thing is alive, remember?”

“Hold on…” I said, bringing up my Assistant and actually checking what the hell this is cause honestly this could just be a golden piece of cloth cursed by a demon. “Sorry, just a wondering...I’m also a hero so might as well see if I can save people if I can.”

Bolitarea Lore: The Old Monk

The original Old Monk was the husband of the queen of Latria. He left Latria for unknown reasons and returned with horrible demons in tow. This led to the fall of Latria. The monk is now nothing more than a black phantom controlled by golden robes.

His collar bears the description: "Head wrappings that were once the golden robe worn by the old master of Latria and eventually took control of the then withered old man. It is whispered that the robe now seeks to summon those who offer their aid, and carrying out its wishes grants them the use of these odd head wrappings. Could the golden garb be seeking out a new vessel to subjugate…?"

“Okay then, so the guy he’s possessing is the Old Monk...and apparently he’s a dick wad.” I frowned. “So let’s go kill this guy then.” I said, summoning Lindworm. “I really hope I can learn this weapon...I really like this.” I said honestly, raising my spears up and throwing them at the demon garments newest puppet.

He side stepped them all, rushing towards me with rather unexpected speed. He then swung, nearly cutting my face as I backed up in time. He’s fast. Even with Lindworm’s Wind powers he was proving challenging. I only landed one hit so far. He didn’t land any though.

“Guy’s fast I’ll give him that.” I said honestly. “How good are you with that sword?” I asked Betty, having a feeling I’m actually gonna need a little back up.”

“...Eh…” See said, waving her hand like she was unsure. “Most worlds I visited I didn't need to use it.” She said, taking out from within a sleeve in her cloak, a simple straight sword.

“You really need some lessons.” I frowned. “Do you have any combat experience?” I asked.

“Well- LOOK OUT!” Betty shouted. I turned around just to see this guy stab his spear THROUGH my chest, only stopping when his hand hit my chest from where he held it on his weapon.

I coughed up blood. “Well...nice hit.” I said, Lunatic coming into my hand without my say so as I went into a rage, snapping the spear in half and slamming Lunatic into him...til he waved his hand, and PARRY’D Lunatic. He then pulled his spear out, jabbing it into my stomach this time as he lifted me above him, and swung his spear, throwing me against the wall. I dropped Lunatic.

“Ben!” Betty yelled, running over to me. “Shit, shit, shit…” She said, looking at my wounds.

The sound of me growling could be heard as my injuries seemed to be stitching up with Nothingness Thorns. “This fucker...made a huge mistake.” I growled.

He began walking closer, my wounds not healed enough… I then saw Betty take Lunatic, and stand in front of me. “S-stay back!” She commanded.

I pulled out my Lexicon. “Haste, Protect, Draconic Might.” I said, Betty feeling like she could take a massive hit, felt a whole lot faster and a lot stronger. “There’s some buffs.” I said, casting a healing spell on myself to help myself.

As I got back up, he threw his spear passed Betty, into my arm, pinned into my flesh and bones, and pinned me to the wall. “Okay, apparently existence doesn’t want me just waltzing through everything like I obviously can.” I frowned.

He reached behind him, pulling out a shortsword that… Wait, that’s the same sword the Royal guard use back in Equestria? “Ben!” Betty yelled, seeing me pinned to the wall.

“Wait.” I frowned. “Can you talk demon?” I asked. “Who are you possessing?” I frowned. It didn’t reply, rather, took a fighting stance then rushed Betty, who thanks to Lunatic’s size, blocked his thrust.

“Ben, this guy is weird. I saw his neck. It’s all scared from… I dunno, a huge gash all around or something?” Betty said, blocking another thrust.

“Try knocking his helmet off.” I said, having a terrible feeling about this as I grabbed the spear and broke it. “Christ this hurts.” I grumbled. “But...that better not be who I think it is…” I said, having a bad feeling Cadence is gonna hate me.

Betty swung, the Demon dodging. Before he was able to swing when he got close, Betty reacted, lifting her sword in her free hand, stabbing them in the side. Taking her chance, she let go of her sword, and slammed Lunatic onto them, flattening them. Their red aura vanished, leaving their...body as the cloth seemed to deflate, life leaving it as it left its host. As the cloth unraveled, a Yellow Demon’s Soul fell out, as did another card. “I...did it. Holy crap I killed a demon! Can I keep this thing?” Betty asked me, pointing to Lunatic in her hands.

I walked over and took the card and checked the body. “You sure did…” I said, too distracted by the many thoughts running through my head. “Could it…?” I muttered, taking off the guys helmet and wondering if this is really who I think it is. When I took the cloth off...it was. Shining Armor…”Damn it…” I muttered, summoning Fair Game and throwing a card to the ground with the Symbol of Death on it. “If any Death can hear me, can you please come here?”

“AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Was the sudden response from behind us. Standing there was… Grell? “Blast it all you brats and your summoning magic! Do you have any idea how much work I still have to complete in this world alone BEFORE the hour is up!?”

“There’s a soul I need.” I said. “Shining Armor’s soul to be precise.” I said,

“Oh, this pony person you mean?” He said, walking over Shining Armor’s body and looking his face over. “My, quite the looker. But aside from your request why should I break protocol for you?”

“Cause.” I said, before Graceful Dahlia appeared and seemed to be floating around him. “Because your my new council member.” I said honestly.

“Council Member? Of what? And where did you get this Death Scythe?! It’s devinly deadly!” Grell said, taking it. While it’s pole didn’t change form, it’s blade changed to a blood red, and grew teeth that spun, giving a light roar like a...chainsaw? “Oh my heavens! What beauty! What power! How sexy!”

“You are now a council member to the Heir of Nothingness Grell.” I said. “And what you have there is called Graceful Dahlia, made from the bark of a Demon Tree on a destroyed planet.” I said honestly.

“Demon Tree of a dead planet? How sexy… Crap, but what will my bosses say… Oh what to do…?”

I sighed out and threw another card with a death symbol on it. “Paging Grell’s boss, mind if I have a word with you cause your now needed.” I said, hoping I can do this multiple times instead of just the once.

From the card came the form of death itself, I turned to Grell, and saw him...terrified. “You-you-you-you-you-” He kept repeating.

I looked a bit confused. “Is it wrong that I managed to summon your boss?”

Before Grell replied, he grabbed Betty and I, forcing us both to the floor before bowing on all fours himself. “You summoned the boss of ALL Grim Reapers. The First Death.” Grell informed. “He’s only ever had three students, two started the Grim Reapers, the third, was Cript’s boss.”

“You mean Lord?” I asked. “I met him actually. Nice guy.” I said honestly.

“Is that what he goes by now?” Grell asked.

“Who here summoned me?” The First Death spoke, his voice faint, but commanding.

“Well I literally can’t say his name cause he deemed it that.” I told Grell while standing up. “I did sir. Sorry that I...well summoned you, your probably very busy but I have a...small complication here.” I explained.

“Hm… Heir of Nothing. Ben, from Terra 877Y8. My condolences for your home world.” He said, motioning for us all to rise. We did.

“It’s alright sir.” I said, showing respect to my elder here. “But since you know who I am, you can obviously tell by the Chainsaw Scythe Grell has that he’s now apart of my Council.” I said. “And originally I was just gonna ask how can I get a friend of mines soul back.” I explained, motioning to Shining’s dead body.

“Hm. Grell, retrieve this dead corpses soul and resurrect him, I will inform the rest of the reapers of your...termination from the Reapers, but you will be allowed to keep your powers and Death Scythe.”

“Yes, yes of course Death!” Grell said, vanishing in an aura of purple and red.

“Now then.” Death continued. “I can tell you’ve spoken to my old student. I can see it in your soul.”

“Yes, he goes by Lord now considering he said no one’s ever allowed to know his real name.” I said honestly.

“Is that what he is going by? When I knew him he went by Jose. Being the creator of everything, he spend time throwing himself into his creation, powers locked and memories wiped. His version of playing. During that time, he had no idea what he was. Simpler times indeed.”

“Well I wouldn’t know cause I didn’t exist all the way back then.” I shrugged. “But yeah, we talked, he showed me a future, that it’s probably a good idea to die before one goes completely insane…” I trailed off. “But knowing you being the Death, you probably know all of this.”

“Of course. There are few throughout time I keep to reap.” He said, taking out a single, thin notebook, aged to, well, dead. “I’ve placed you in here as well, though, date’s changed now. Time is such a touchy thing.”

“Time is one thing no one will understand.” I said honestly. “But mind if I ask...is there a way for Cript to...ya know…” I said nervously.

“Die? Of course, he is my most anticipated soul to collect. It will be a LONG time before that however.”

“Alright...good…” I said, remembering when I saw Cript having gone completely mad and not liking that future at all. “Good to know. But...thank you sir, I remember having been told I needed to do something to get a soul back for someone specific...or get the dragon balls.”

“Hm? Oh yes, Grell should be back with it any moment now. So, Ben, I take it you have troubles on your mind? What ales you?”

“I mean besides Kexez having stolen my daughters memories, the apparent abomination he’s trying to make with Spoiled...and the ever looming war on the horizon and how I, for the life of me, sadly can’t find hope in that horrid bloodbath.” I sighed out.

“Yes, Kexez’s fate was a sad one indeed.”

“The fucks gonna get his ass kicked when I get my hands on him.” I frowned. “But besides that...the war...is gonna claim so many lives…” I said, fearing for my family’s lives the most.

“Do you know, how Kexez became this way?”

“Well here’s the thing, when I think about why Kexez is doing this I thought it was because he had Psychopath blood in him...but then that’s bullshit cause Core kind of...stole all of Zeke’s Psychopath blood, I mean unless it’s less material and more immaterial that makes Psychopaths.” I said honestly, not knowing the full thing about those guys.

“Not all of it was taken, so long as there was a single cell in his body, it would grow back. Zeke’s balanced heart and powerful soul kept it in check, allowing him to resist it’s tempting whispers. Without either though.” Death waved his hand, an image of Kexez, in Zeke’s clothing, before he became evil likely.

“The whispers immediately got to him?” I asked honestly.

“Watch.” Death spoke.

Kexez was writing some notes down from books all over the long table he sat at. He sighed, scratching his head. “So many damn monsters on this world…” He said, then, his eyes quickly flashing from red to blue. “Ga! AHH!” He screamed, falling over as it looked like his body was… moving under his skin. “AHHHHHHH!” When his eyes changed to normal, he gasped, taking in a deep breath before shakely getting back up. “F-Fuck!” He growled. “No… I need more time…”

“Oh dear…” I muttered worriedly. “That’s not good…when was this?”

“A week after he escaped Purgatory.”

Watching Kexez again, he stood himself back up, looking light headed. “Shit….” He coughed, summoning Starlight...and jabbing it into his free arm, almost slicing his arm in half as blood gushed out. He fell over, quickly casting several Cure spells on himself. “Please...please have spilled out…” He huffed, looking pale.

“Oh…” I muttered. “I...kind of doubt I can get him back to sanity right now huh?”

“His heart and Soul can cure his state. With both, Zeke will be back, and Kexez will become who he is.”

“But...Zeke’s soul is in Trixie at the moment.” I said honestly. “Hmm…”

“Do you have a plan?”

“Well Zeke is the one who’s going to have to deal the final blow against Kexez.” I said honestly. “Then Lake is...I believe dead, but something tells me he’s not, and Drezke is going crazy as well.”

“A balanced heart, like Lake and Drezke, are the few to partake in the fragile dance of light and dark. This means one cannot exist without the other. When one is gone from this reality, the other half can regrow them, as they are still the same being.”

“Oh cool, that means Lake will be alive...and then Drezke will slowly regain his sanity...I hope.” I said honestly.

“Not, if he continues to consume darkness to achieve his goal. Remove the excess darkness, and Lake will be reborn. You will need the right tool, however.” Death said, taking my hand, and placing a black and purple glove over it. “This glove latches onto the darkness in one’s heart, and removes it, against Drezke, it will cause him to expel all the excess darkness. After that, it is a matter of survival.”

“I’ve fought a Delete and lived.” I said honestly. “Could it be worse than that?” I asked, putting away the glove knowing I’m gonna need it for when I meet Drezke...whenever that’ll happen.

“He has consumed a total of nine worlds darkness, straight from their tainted Keyholes. The heartless born from that, will be unlike any you have ever seen before.”

“So my average tuesday then?” I joked.

“Quite the bravery.” He said, turning to Betty now. “Young one, great potential lies within your future.”

“Oh, uh, hehe...thanks.” Betty said.

“Let me see your sword.” He said, Betty handing Death her sword. He then traced his skeleton finger across the blade, and it began to change, it’s blade changing to a pure black, and it’s handle to purple. He then gave it back to Betty. “Etched into this blade I put in traces of Cures of Gore. A powerful curse that makes all slashed by this blade fall ill, then die painfully within the hour.”

“...Sounds...Strong?”

“Given that you now have a powerful curse enchant on your sword I’d say so.” I said honestly. “Especially in a fight when they grow in and die within an hour.”

“I shall take my leave. Remember Ben, Kexez may be evil now, but he did not choose this path. Save him, by returning to him, his heart. The rest will be...quite the surprise.” Death said, vanishing just as he appeared.

“I’ll make sure…” I nodded. “But I’ll need to find Drezke first…” I muttered.

“I’m back!” Grell said, appearing behind us from nowhere. In his hand was...what looked like pure, sporadic energy. “Finding this little bastard in that whole pile was a heck and a half.” He said, kneeling down to Shining. He touched his forehead, his wounds and body now looking as if he was sleeping. Grell then opened Shining’s mouth, and the soul flowed down it. Once it was all in, he started breathing. “He’ll wake up in a few hours.” Grell said, standing up.

“Alright.” I nodded. “So Grell, how does it feel having Graceful Dahlia?” I asked.

“Honestly it feels strange, yet interesting. It’s like it’s begging me to turn the souls of where I stand red with blood, how sexy… but, it also is worrying, I mean, I like murder and mayhem as much as the next woman but this thing is a tad...obsessed.”

“Said Demon Tree literally had a Psychopath in it so maybe that’s why.” I said honestly. “You’ll get used to it.” I said honestly, kind of surprised I haven’t been hearing the Psychopath whispers to be perfectly honest. ”Maybe it’s because I also have Humanity?” I think to myself, wondering about that thing.

“Well, now that I’m under your employment what task do you want of me?” Grell asked. “As lazy as I would like to be chasing after all the pretty boys, I also know that under you I really can’t put off anything important.”

“Right now would be go to Equestria, meet your fellow Council Members...and train, train until you can’t train anymore, then train some more...cause War is looming.” I told him, knowing since he’s a Grim Reaper he would know about the upcoming Keyblade War.

“A war huh… Seen some of them in the past. One real nasty one back when I was still in training. EVERYBODY was called for that mess… What was it called again… Oh, the Keyblade War. If anyone took a second more to finish anything you where already late and WAY behind.”

“Well a second one is coming.” I said honestly. “And trust me...just from what I saw through memories...it’s gonna be really rough.”

“I saw the whole thing Ben sweetie. I may have just been collecting souls rather than fighting but I know what happened that day. It’s why my generation of Reapers is called ‘The Warborn’. Well, at least this time around I won’t be collecting the souls, so that’s weight off my expected workload.”

“Yes, instead of doing the worlds biggest and morbid collectathon, your going to be doing a lot of murders during it.” I said honestly.

“Most likely. Well I’ll be off, see you in the office boss.” Grell said, vanishing in a puff of smoke.

I rubbed my temples. “So, Betty, how does it feel having witnessed a common occurrence in my life?”

“Your life is awesome.” She said simply. “Come on, next boss area is another place entirely.”