Asuna tries to assign a meeting between the 4 emperors. He sends out invitations, but none accepted. Not even August.
Hiroyuki "How important was this meeting?"
Asuna "I had a lot on my mind that I wanted to share, but I guess it will have to wait."
Hiroyuki "Well I'm here."
Asuna "Hiroyuki I don't know if you noticed, but we only heard from one of the so-called elders. We were only given information from two of them. We saw three. It was 5 in total."
Hiroyuki "There were 5??"
Asuna "I'm sure August felt it as well, but there was 5 in total. We saw 3 and the other 2 were behind the scenes. What makes it all bad is that they all were stronger than me and August."
Hiroyuki "Really?!"
Asuna "So it really made us think why they wanted fo create a world government. Just those 5 alone could destroy the entire world."
Hiroyuki "Do you think the other felt it? Like Maki? And maybe thats why she didn't want to agree?"
Asuna "Her disagreeing was out of complete fear, I don't blame her. The ones who agreed, though we didn't show it, we did as a means to survive."
Hiroyuki "This is all too much! So then what do you think will happen to the two that disagreed?"
Asuna "I wish to not think about it."
Hiroyuki "Wait?! If they are that strong, why did they make it a point to appoint 4 emperors?"
Asuna "In terms of power, the 4 they picked are the strongest. My guess, to keep tabs on us. Which is also why they wanted the whole power system to monitor our strength."
Hiroyuki "This world government won't work."
Asuna "For the time being, it has to."
Kokiruko "I-im sorry, there was nothing I can do."
Kame "I am not mad at you. I am mad at myself."
Kokiruko "The last thing he told me was to tell you we have to head east."
Kame "Ok."
Kokiruko "Which way is that?"
Kame "I thought you knew?"
Kokiruko "I don't."
Kame "I think I remember Shiro telling me the sun rises in the east. Did you see where the sun was in the morning?"
Kokiruko "I didn't. I had my eyes on the Mina."
Kame "Mina?"
Kokiruko "Oh, yeah that's her name now."
Kame "Ah, cute."
Kokiruko "Thank you."
The baby starts laughing and pointing in a direction.
Kame "Think that way is east?"
Kokiruko "I am not trusting a baby."
Kame "All we got at the moment."
Kokiruko "If we get lost, i'm kicking your ass."
Kame "Fight?"
Kokiruko "It was a joke, just go."
Shidai "Is it real?"
Matoi "Yes, Mayonaka is dead."
Shidai "Now what?"
Matoi "Not sure. Who do we answer to now?"
Zayn "Me."
Shidai "And why is that."
Zayn "Well, Dante does whatever he wants. Both of you are still young and weak. It's only right."
Shidai "I quit."
Zayn "What?!"
Matoi "If he's out, then so am I."
Zayn "You little bastards!"
Shidai "Mayonaka made me do all this. It was never truly in my heart. Sure I was in debt to him, but I could never really put myself to do everything he said."
Zayn "If you think for a second that i'd let you quit, you're highly mistaken boy!"
Zayn grabs Shidai, but Matoi kicks Zayn off.
Matoi "He is done. That means I am too. You will leave us."
Zayn "Tch! Fine! Go out and get killed."
Zayn takes his leave, to go search for Mayonaka's body. Shidai falls to his knees. Matoi catches him.
Matoi "What's wrong?!"
Shidai "Nothing, I just feel free."
Matoi "Whats next for us?"
Shidai "Matoi, I appreciate you being by my side for all these years. But I think now is the time we go our separate ways. Thank you for everything."
Shidai hugs him and then walks away. Matoi just stands there for a second and then starts following him.
Shidai "Matoi? What are you doing?"
Matoi "My life only has purpose because of you. If you leave it, I'm back to where it all started."
Shidai "That isn't true."
Matoi "Yes it is?! I didn't follow Mayonaka! I followed you! I will continue following to the end of the earth!"
Shidai "Matoi."
Matoi "Whatever it is that you have planned, I'm with you. Just don't let this be the end of our friendship."
Shidai starts to tear up. Then he looks up to the sky. He wipes his tears and the looks back at Matoi and smiles.
Shidai "Ok then."
Asuna "It's all a lot."
Shidai "Asuna."
Asuna "Shidai? Matoi? What is it?"
Shidai and Matou both fall their knees.
Hiroyuki "Huh?"
Shidai "It was us, all of it."
Asuna "What are you-"
Shidai "From the disease, to how people kept getting in out of the village. It was us. Mayonaka had a plan for us, we were just executing."
Asuna "Mayonaka?!"
Shidai "He wanted me to plague the entire village. I did, when I had the cure he wanted all of it, I couldn't bring myself to do it. I kept a couple antidotes here to help some people. He wanted so much death, I just couldn't bare any of it. We were working under him while also being close to you. Feeding him intel and everything he wanted. He's dead now, and although I know this won't right my wrongs I wish to have some sympathy. As I was only doing what I knew. He saved me and I was just paying my debt to him."
Asuna "I don't know what to say. This is why I'm not fit for this. All of this was happening right under me. And here I am left with the decision to either save a child's life or end it."
Shidai "I welcome death."
Hiroyuki "No!"
Asuna "I know, we are better than that. Both of you get up."
As they stand up, Asuna places cuffs on both of them.
Asuna "Arrange for an assembly."
Shidai "What is going on?"
Asuna "You will see."
Hiroyuki "Oh no."
Asuna "Ladies and Gentlemen, I gather you all here at this time to announce that these two have come forth to tell us that they have been the cause of everything bad happening in our village. I am to blame, they are mere children I have placed my utmost faith in. As of now, they will sentenced to prison for their crimes. I know I am not the emperor you all wanted, but I am the one you got. If there's one thing I can promise it is that this will never happen again. I will continue to fight, and as long as I am alive this village will prosper!"
The crowd is completely silent. Until one man begins to clap and then it starys a chain reaction and instantly results in a round of applause. Cheering louder than any other time. For the first time, Asuna actually felt accepted as the emperor. Even with this hiccup. Asuna smiles, he feels free. Free of the burden of trying so hard to be accepted as the leader.
Asuna "Come with me."
Hiroyuki "How long will they be locked up?"
Asuna "Indefinitely. I have no ulterior motives, I accept their apology and hope they can fight for us in the future."
Shidai "This is fine, thank you for being merciful."
With Shidai and Matoi sentenced, not only does it protect them from any harm Zayn could inflict, it helps them rehabilitate and earn the right to move forward with their lives.
Zayn "Now where is your body?"
Zayn walks around the crater trying to find Mayonaka's body, he stumbles across the temple. He wonders how the temple can be in perfect shape after something as catastrophic as this.
Zayn "Where is your damn body?!"
He continues looking and after some time he finds it. He finds both Mayonaka and Rai-On's body. He looks down and is in disbelief. Wondering just how durable a Chikara's body is. The explosion is said to be able to disintegrate anything in its wake, but for Rai-On's body to just have scratches is unheard of.
Zayn "Doesn't matter, I'm glad I found both of you. That means I can absorb both. All this power is finally mine!"
Zayn places his hands on both of their bodies and begins to absorb their power. When he stands up, he lifts one hand and it unleashes a powerful wave that destroys the area for miles.
Zayn "Oh this is going to be fun!"
Matoi "How do you think Tonamura is doing?"
Shidai "Hopefully fine, it was refreshing to have with us. You and him for a time are what kept me from going all bad."
Matoi "Hope we can see him again before our time is up."
Shidai "Hey, I understand we did some bad. Trust me, the sun will shine on us again. When that second chance comes, we must take it. No hesitation!"
Matoi "Yeah!"
Zayn "Where? Who should be the lucky ones to die to such awesome power?!"
Zayn immediately thinks of Asuna. He stares in the direction that heads towards his village. He takes a step and immediately pauses.
Zayn "No! Not yet! I need more! For now I must absorb all I can."
Totsuki "What is it that you are up to?"
Zayn "Totsuki!"
Totsuki "Come with me."
Zayn "What is it? Wait, is that?"
Hirishoja "Yes, i'm here. Where is Mayonaka and the rest?"
Zayn "Mayonaka has been killed, and the two boys left me."
Hirishoja "What?! Who killed him?"
Zayn "The older Chikara."
Hirishoja "Hmph, I knew it. Truly poetic to died by the hands of another Chikara. Wait, what do you mean the two boys left?"
Zayn "They wanted no part. Once Mayonaka fell, they went their separate ways. I will kill them for this."
Hirishoja "Why haven't you yet?"
Zayn "I wasn't strong enough at the time. Those brats were powerful. But now, now I can kill both of you without even breaking a sweat!"
Hirishoja's eyes widen and before he has time to react, Zayn is holding him by the throat. Along with Totuski in his other hand.
Zayn "I could break both of you right here and now, but what is the fun in that? I have an offer, the wrong choice will definitely end in death. So let's choose wisely ok?"
Hirishoja "Zayn y-you!"
Totsuki "Take your worthless human hands off me!"
Zayn "Ah, ah , ah. Just listen. Either you work for me now, or you both die. Which is it?"
Hirishoja "I worked for Mayonaka, since you were his right hand it only makes sense for me to work for you now!"
Zayn " Good choice. What says you? Demon?"
Totsuki "Fine, whatever. All that matters to me is the death of Mettanica and Dante anyway."
Zayn "Ah, so it seems we have our first mission?"
He drops them both and then begins to think.
Totsuki starts to think to himself. "I could trap him in the void with the other one, that is if I am fast enough. One slight miscalculation and im dead. To hell with it, lets just see where this goes."
Hirishoja "How did you get so strong anyway? You just said you couldn't beat Shidai and Matoi?"
Zayn "You have been away awhile. So let me fill you in. I was given a curse, that curse being power absorption. I went to Mayonaka's remains and absorbed him and the Chikara. Now my power has multiplied significantly!"
Hirishoja "That's some scary power. What do you need us for? Could you not have absorbed ours as well.?"
Zayn "Well yes, but you have to be dead. Besides, I want some company. I have history with you two. It's only right."
Hirishoja "I suppose."
Totsuki "So how are we going about taking out Mettanica's group?"
Zayn "You have more insight than I do. What can you tell me?"
Totsuki "Well you know Dante, I would say he is majority of the power they have. Him and Obnimi will definitely be problematic. The other two Desir and Habi not so much."
Zayn "Was there not another?"
Totsuki "Cyro? Well he's becoming demon king."
Zayn "What? Is that even possible for a human?"
Totsuki "If the demon queen likes you enough then yes."
Zayn "Fascinating."
Totsuki "Is that something you want to hear more about?"
Zayn "No, let's just focus on Mettanica. We need her and her followers gone."
Totsuki "I spy on them more often than not. I closely watch their every move. I've been waiting for my chance to kill her, but it's easier said than done."
Zayn "Why is that?"
Totsuki "Too much power for just us two."
Zayn "Well now I am here, I will do it for you. Once I absorb her power I will be unstoppable! That is when Asuna will fall."
Totsuki "Tch!"
Hirishoja "Just us three? Will this be enough?"
Zayn "More than enough."
Totsuki thinks to himself "I can't allow him to absorb her, if he does. He won't keep us around we are as good as dead. If he does manage to kill her, before he can absorb her I will trap him in the void."
Hirishoja "Wait, where has Mastab gone?"
Zayn "That's right, I remember he was also on a frenzy for power."
Hirishoja "Must have got himself killed."
Zayn "If he's dead, then so be it. We don't have room for weakness."
Hirishoja "To think at some point we all worked for Mettanica."
Zayn "Things change, people change. Life goes on. What we were, is not who we are now. Mettanica kept us weak, and since we left we have grown stronger. She used us, she planned everything and in the end we were going to be sacrificed for her to gain power. Not anymore, she dies and it will be by my hand."
Hirishoja "Mastab was first to realize, then Mayonaka. Those that are with her now don't understand."
Zayn "Which is why we only kill her, they can join us. And if not, they will die with her."
Hirishoja "What is our first move?"
Zayn "Just follow me, I have a few things in mind."
Kame and Kokiruko arrive at the village. They made it, they are greeted and immediately the Core and those who knew are stunned and silent. Knowing that since Mest didn't come back he was right.
Kokiruko "This is your village?"
Kame "Yeah, big huh?! Feels good to be back!"
As soon as Kame steps in the village Ziku feels a weird sensation.
Ziku "This aura?"
Natsumi "What's wrong Ziku?!"
Ziku "You don't feel that? It feels familiar, but at the same time its super strong!"
Natsumi "Go see."
Ziku "You sure?"
Natsumi "Yes."
Kokiruko "Where do we go now?"
Kame "To my home."
Asuna "Kame, you have returned."
Kame "Yeah!"
Asuna smiles, because he can also sense hiw strong Kame has gotten. At that same time, Kame smiles. Because he is itching to test how strong he is compared to Asuna.
Ziku "Oh Kame, it's you."
Kame "Ziku?"
Ziku "It's been awhile. I can tell the training paid off."
Kokiruko hands Kame the baby and just starts walking towards Ziku.
Kame "Kokiruko?"
Ziku "Who is this? Someone you met while training? Hey, my hame is Z-"
Before he can finish Kokiruko attacks Ziku throwing a punch. Ziku catches it and is confused. He looks over at Kame who shrugs. Kokiruko continues to attack Ziku. He attacks with ferocity, trying to hurt Ziku. Asuna and Kame look on both puzzled, but neither moving because Ziku isn't in any danger. Ziku easily dodges and blocks all of Kokiruko's attacks. He grabs both of his fist and then stares into his eyes.
Ziku "Calm down."
Ziku sweeps his legs and when Kokiruko falls Ziku continues holding his fist together while putting his foot on Kokiruko's chest.
Kokiruko "Get the fuck off me! It's all your fault! You did this to me! To my family! To my home! You need to die!"
Ziku looks over at Kame who is stunned. Then he looks at Asuna who is just as stunned as Kame. Asuna comes over and breaks it up. They get separated and Kame grabs Kokiruko telling him to calm down because he is scaring Mina. Kokiruko takes a deep breath and then looks up at Ziku with this disdained expression.
Ziku "What have I done to you?"
Kokiruko "You know what you did! Don't act like a good person when you aren't!"
Ziku "I don't understand, I don't even know who you are. I'm sorry?"
Kokiruko "I hate you."
Ziku " Please, help me understand why?"
Kokiruko "I know that hair! I remember it well, I told myself if I ever came across you that I would be the one to kill you! For my village! For my family!"
Kame "Kokiruko you have to stop."
Asuna "Hasn't even been here 10 minutes and he is already causing problems."
Kame "I am sorry, I will take him. He is my responsibility. Asuna can you come with me to my home so we can explain everything there?"
Asuna "Sure. Ziku go back to your mother."
Ziku is still stunned. He can't even speak.
Kame "Come on Kokiruko, let us go."
They walk away from Ziku heading to Kame's place. As they walk away, Ziku just stares, standing there as they get further and further. Tlthe single most confusing day that Ziku has ever had. He goes back up to his mom and just sits there.
Natsumi "What's wrong? What happened?"
Jaken "Kame! You're back?! Kame!"
Jaken runs over and hugs Kame. She squeezes tightly as she is also crying.
Kenshi "Guess you can say she missed you."
Kame "Just a bit huh."
Kenshi "Oh get over here you beaver."
Kame runs over to Kenshi and hugs him. Jaken joins the hug again as they all just hug for awhile.
Jaken "Oh, look who's here."
Shiro walks out and his eyes widen. He tears up and then he runs over to hug Kame.
Shiro "Can't believe you're back! It's been so long! Don't ever leave us again!"
Kame "Haha it will not happen anytime soon."
Asuna just watches as he smiles enjoying the reunion.
Kokiruko and Mina just watch.
Jaken "Umm who are your friends?"
Kame "Yeah, that is the thing. It is kind of a long story."
Asuna "Well we got time."
Jaken "Wait, wait! That's Rai-On's baby! And he is her uncle! So that means he is also your brother in law?!"
Asuna "I see, so that means Mest- sorry, Rai-On has died."
Kame "Why did none of you tell me?"
Asuna "It's what he wanted."
Jaken "We're sorry Kame, but he knew that if you knew he was alive you would try looking for him. He did everything he could protecting the village from the outside making sure no one came after you. We also had to hide his identity for the sake of the village. Please tell me you understand."
Kame "I do, I just- I just wish I had more time with him."
Jaken "I know, and I feel awful robbing you both of your time together."
Kenshi "We did it for everyone."
Asuna "It truly hurts, he was a good friend to me. Actually kind of saw him as a younger brother myself. I trained him as well as I could, it hurts because the last time we spent together neither of us knew it would actually be the last."
The collective silence grows loud as they all just sit in it.
Shiro "Well it's nice to meet you Kokiruko."
Kokiruko "Yeah, you too Shiro."
Kenshi "You are welcome to stay with us. We have an extra room. And don't worry, we are more than will to help take care of the baby."
Jaken "Totally, you guys are still young. I know for a fact you know nothing about taking care of a baby. So just leave her to us while you guys be kids."
Kokiruko "Thank you."
Kame "She is in good hands trust me."
Asuna "I appreciate you two for being so understanding and welcoming. Truly what I want this village to stand for."
Kenshi nods as Jaken smiles. As the others leave to go do whatever is that they need Kenshi and Jaken smile at the baby.
Kenshi "In a way, she is a gift."
Jaken "Why is that?"
Kenshi "We were so fortunate for Kame, but when he was given to us he was already molded into the strong young man he was destined to be. With this baby it's like we get to try ourselves."
Jaken "Yeah, I know what you mean."
Jaken begins to cry.
Kenshi "We can't have our own, but we can do our best with her. For Rai-On."
Jaken "Yes, we can."
Mina looks at them and begins to laugh. Both of them smile as they hold her close.