Chapter Twelve

Normally Specter would have to demand one to give in to his requests, but Pupuru was a tough customer. She wasn't pushed around so easily, and he could tell. After being served some of the dish with truffles on the side, the monkey began thinking about it. "So, human-girl, so you know who I am?" Sitting down at a table, Pupul thought about it.

"Spike brought you up a few times, when I first met him, he thought I was working for someone named Specter. That's you, isn't it? You seem to have a grudge against humans like Nefarious… Is there a reason for it?" Specter brushed some white fur out of his face, noticing Kuu giving him a glare.

He lowered his eyes. "I was kept in a zoo as a juggling performer. The only human remotely nice to me was my trainer… But, I feel as if there's more." The cocky smirk reformed. "Some sort of weird nightmare of mine comes up. Another version of myself is separated from my owner, sent off into cold space… But that seems to have never happened."

Pupuru shook her head. "It might be an alternative universe you know! Sweet Tooth kind of has one, where he's less than amusing... So, it might have happened to another half of yourself in a separate Lastation." This made Specter flinch, he did not expect such an absurd, yet plausible answer considering dimensions. "It's still terrible though, being separated from someone you love… I would never be able to stand that.

"I can understand why one would end up dislike humans. I've met some pretty slimy people myself. Both humans, monsters, demons… I try to look past that though! There are also some really nice ones out there. Like you just said, your trainer, right? Is there more than that?" He thought deeply about it.

His plan was just about going perfectly. "Considering no one has come up to care for my reasoning or what I believe… You yourself are not too bad of a human, rather likable." Jumping back a little, she stared at Specter in shock. "I wonder, are you some sort of guardian angel? Saving others from such a cruel character, and your past of helping the other All-Stars, whether they're human or not…"

She began laughing. "You trying to flatter me or something? I'm not on that line of niceness! I can… How do I put this? I'm nice to guests like yourself or newbies, but other times… Straight-forward? I am defensive over my friends, because they've been with me for over a year and such." It seemed that Pupul was at a loss for words, clearly not being used to such compliments.

That was Specter's chance however to reel it in. "Actually, I've been thinking… Ever since that time earlier today, I'm a bit on edge. Monkeys aren't exactly the best protective source, especially against a freak like… You know who'm. I could actually use a bodyguard. I'm having trouble trusting anyone here." Blinking, Pupul shook her head.

"Uh, sorry. I have to be battling with the other All-Stars to support a cause!"

"I understand completely." He had one more chance, even if it hurt his own dignity. "But since that event… I don't think I can sleep in the dark without comfort! C-can you at least keep me secure at night? I promise I won't bother you! I'll even give you help for your battles, or maybe a reward!" Specter was practically begging. Kuu was growling, while Pupuru was not only confused, but holding pity on him.

"Must have been that traumatizing… Alright then! I'm sorry that happened to you."

Neptune was already in bed, asleep. Her husband was busy, and everyone else in Planeptune was resting.

She began dreaming about a dreary looking area. Lying down on the ground, a man with a skull for a helmet kneeled by her side. "Benny… Tell me, what do you think I should do with this girl? She belongs to my other self." His hand brushed Neptune's arm. "Either I could make her my next meal and see what kind of tender meat she has, or leave her be-"

"Meal?! Big no-no mister! I'm full of pudding and fat!" She shot up quickly and jumped away. Realizing her katana was gone, Neptune gulped. "Soooo, what's your name, buff guy? I'm Neptune!"

There was blood on his hand, making it evident that this man had killed recently. "Grimm." She flinched. "I am the counterpart of the reaper you know well… You're a lucky gal to have ended up with the real deal instead of me. I can't tell reality from my nightmares." It wasn't a surprise that Neptune was entirely lost by this Grimm's words.

"Another Grimmy? You don't even have many similarities other than having a skull and being a biker… Like, you're a muscular human guy full of flesh, clearly been working out! And my Grimmy is all bony, though he kinda has a nice butt-" He pressed his bloody fingers against her mouth, silencing the girl.

He didn't seem to have a very high patience for Neptune. "I'm the Grimm that a certain clown dreams about. Unlike the other me, I'm a war veteran that wears my friend's decayed skull after I ate him! Let that process into your brightly-colored brain… God, I'm sorry Benny. But I have to become him in order to be free of this eternal torment!… Can I ask you a question?" She was sweating like crazy, unsure if this Grimm would kill her.

Nervous laughter came out. "Uh, sure thing…?"

"… Right. Is there another you out there that is known? Another version of yourself that just wants to become… You?" She thought about it, then shook her head. "That's one big step backwards to being free. Guess the most I can do is leave you with a sign." Recoiling, Neptune's shirt was suddenly grabbed.

Before anything else could even happen, she jolted awake.

Checking her surroundings, Neptune was relieved to see she was in bed and not the dark looking city. "Whew! Just some crazy dream… Next time, I won't have leftovers before bed!"

Yet something felt strange. Turning on the light, Neptune looked down at her shirt.

The bloodstains from the man remained there.

At this point, most of the girls were having their slumber party with Princess Plump. Most of the guys proceeded to drink before going to sleep... At least until Noire showed up with the most angered expression ever.

"Can you all drop everything your doing right now?" Nearly everyone lifted their head to her, except for Nathan Drake, who was in a drunken stupor again for some reason. "Did you all forget what the point of this event was?! We've only had five battles today since one got cut short, this barely gives us any support except from PaRappa's hometown! None of this was planned for social hours!"

Daxter rolled his eyes. "What's the big deal exactly? Can't everyone get to know each other first?" Clenching her fists, Noire took a few documents from Kei, the oracle, then slapped them down on the bar table.

None of the All-Stars were pleased with what they were seeing. "Bleu already is setting up a group to make Gamindustri better?… A relic? Huh, this has my interest." Sly grinned, only to get glared at by Noire.

"This is serious! She's searching for something that was only rumored and to never be touched by anyone… The 'New Game Plus'. Only CPUs can hold it, and it could reset some parts while carry over others. In other words, Bleu might be trying to manipulate the past and future! That's why we need our supporters back!"

Donte put out a cigarette, then looked over. "If that's true, then why didn't that Lord of Games jackass go after it?"

"Supposedly he was planning to actually. I heard him mention it a few times. Problem was, he wasn't a CPU. That's one of the many reasons he wanted to absorb their powers a few months back." Zarok answered. "Oddly enough, he didn't know that this Bleu character was still around. I was told of a few 'fallen nations' here and there, didn't think they still existed."

"I keep forgetting that we have someone associated with Gigadis on our side now…" Radec growled. "From here onward, I shall spread the Helghast cause for our benefits then."

"Me too! No one should be messing with the universes for games! I will work harder for everyone!" Toro mew'd, pumping his paws in the air.

"No more monkey business!" Spike shouted.

"We're just gonna believe as always!" PaRappa followed up, as PJ Berri had passed out.

Kratos was entirely silent while the crowd kept chanting. Zarok slithered next to him with a smug expression. "You want everything to be restored back with your family, don't you?" Lowering his head, the God of War mumbled.

"Part of me would love to be with my wife and daughter again… But I have the family I already need. Messing with the universe would be a grave mistake." When Kratos left the bar, Zarok instantly checked the inside of his robe.

He chuckled, while Canny Tim could only watch from inside the walls. "Captain Fortesque just had to leave, didn't he?… I'm not going to sit there and wait for him to backstab us!"

That night, Sweet Tooth had another dream. But this time, he saw the Dollface and Axel of his dreams. The former was not self-centered like the one of reality, instead only killing those who were cruel or abusive towards those like herself.

Axel on the other hand, had his wife killed by the hands of Sweet Tooth in the dream-world. Just as last time, they were approached by Evil Cole. Neither of them exactly trusted him, until he stated how twisted the Dollface of the regular was.

When they left, Evil Cole held up a charm, no doubt talking to the Pierrot. "Yeah, I convinced them. Haven't found the Calypso and 'Minion' of this world though... Grimm is already after the reaper of the normal world. Honestly, I better be getting more power for this, Doppel. Because I really don't like this job."

Needles could only vaguely remember the Minion of his dreams were. Always wore a bull's head for a mask, and spoke in numbers...

Before he could think about it more, he was awoken by a loud thump.

It ended up only being someone outside the room. When Sweet Tooth checked to see what exactly was going on, all that was there was Nathan Drake bumping into walls and being helped by Sully. Aside from that was Kratek and Radec quietly having a discussion.

Kratek noticed Pupuru in her pajamas and still talking with Specter. "Ah, there you are. We were just mentioning you. Child, I would like to have a discussion with you about your performance today. I have greatly underestimated you, as Radec mentioned some of your skill… Are you willing to discuss the history of Helghan with us? Someone like yourself could be a wonderful addition to the cause when you're older."

"Oh? Well, sorry to say, it's late… I have to look after Specter. The poor guy has a rocky past, plus that Pluto-ditz traumatized him into night terrors!" Kuu seemed notably upset as the white spider monkey climbed up to Pupuru's arms.

He sneered at them. "I promised to give her strategic tips for these All-Star battles tomorrow morning… In exchange, for warm caring embraces as I snuggle up to this surprisingly-decent human!~" Radec cringed, gritting his own teeth at the sight of Specter's cocky behavior.

When Pupul, Kuu, and Specter were gone that's when Kratek noticed Mael's reaction. "Quite a shame. I want all sorts of powerful forces to go against the ISA or any enemies of the Helghast. We'll just have to ask if she has free-time… Unless you're mad about something else?"

Closing the door, Sweet Tooth went back to bed. At this point everyone was sleeping since they couldn't fool around the next day... Little did anyone even know, that someone had snuck in.

Even though he didn't believe the clown, Mr. Grimm found Needles' visions coming back to bother him. "Surprised to see you return to your job for the night-shift. At first I thought the addiction got the better of you, then I figured that you would be so busy with the new family… How come I wasn't invited?" Another reaper stood by, a noose hanging off the neck and hiding his own face.

"Because chances are, if you shook hands with everyone, they'd be dead. Plus you're almost as far too relaxed as that lazy oarswoman... Any sign of that miniature zombie?"

"Afraid not, she truly had parted ways with the job… Can't say I blame her considering how harsh the judge was on the child. Hopefully that disgusting creature really is making her feel more welcomed. I honestly thought you would do the same upon your marriage." Death sat down on a rock, letting out a sigh.

"If I did that, then you and Gregg would never get a break... Though, I actually did want to go back tonight. I'm worried about something Kane said." Since there were so many characters Mr. Grimm mentioned, Death had trouble adding them up.

Either way he could tell that Grimm wasn't being himself exactly. "Ah, go back to her then. Was hoping to get a tan, but as long as you're around the next night." There was something that Death wanted to press on, but left it alone, as the younger reaper shouldn't have been bothered.

Just as Mr. Grimm vanished and Death took back the post of waiting for more of the deceased to roll in, there was rapid footsteps...

((Next chapter, is where the battles for keeping a reputation really begin…))