The darkness all around him was strangely comforting. As Xander peacefully slept, recovering from his battle wounds, in his mind, the only thing he saw was darkness all around him. However, the sound of crying filled the darkness, the cries of a bullied child. The sounds of crying he was all too familiar with. The sounds of who he really was, crying into the arms of his loving mother. Before him, the house he used to call home appeared before him. A small child sat on the counter, as his mother took some alcohol and rubbed it softly on the cuts. Quietly she shushed him as she put bandaids on the wounds. The boy sniffled softly.

"M-mom… W-why do all of them hate me…? I've been nice to them, I did everything they asked… Why did they hurt me…?"

"I don't know Sweetheart… But I know that me and your daddy love you… Bunches and bunches. And God loves you too…"

"B-but mom… You told me to never start fights… B-but if they hurt me… What should I do…?"

"The Bible tells us to turn the other cheek… But if they hurt you, then… Well, your father wants to show you his signature right hook when he gets home, how does that sound?"

The child smiled softly at his mother, and she finished putting his bandages on.

"That sounds good mom… Thank you…"

"You're welcome… Toshinori…"

.

.

.

Shooting awake, Xander panted as his chest ached. Slowly turning, he stood up and began to walk out of his room. Quiet footsteps filled the halls, and he heard what sounded like a meeting. Quickly shuffling to the door, he put his ear up to it and listened in.

"-look, Nicodemus, we are running out of time. Tensions keep building, and we need to solidify our partnership with them! And this mission would be the perfect opportunity for that!"

"Look, we don't have many agents, and a lot of issues and fires are popping up in other places! Sending someone to Kyoto to deal with a situation we don't fully know about is… Well, it's ludicrous!"

"We may not know the full situation, but like hell am I going to ignore someone who could be one of our biggest allies!"

Xander opened the door, coming in to see Nicodemus and the person he was chatting with. Nicodemus looked surprised and the other man looked at him before he raised an eyebrow. Quietly, Xander leaned on a wall and raised an eyebrow.

"You two talking about a mission? I'll go."

"Xander, you can't… Your injuries-"

"Look, ok, you need someone to go, I'll go. I don't have to fight, I can stay ranged. If this is so important then I-"

"XANDER! You could end up killing yourself if you push yourself too far. You'll be rendered useless or worse…"

The other man listened for a sec before he stood and he examined Xander. He was wrapped in bandages, but now he was starting to get his balance. He smiled and he offered him a hand to shake.

"Hey man… It's been years since I've seen you! How are you?"

"... Wait… Berial? Oh my God, it's you! Its been a good while!"

"Yeah, it has been. Now tell me, how are you Toshinori?"

Xander froze and Nicodemus stood up. Walking over, he patted the Devil's shoulder and stepped beside Xander. Putting his hand on Xander's head, Xander snapped out of his daze.

"Berial Asmodeus… Meet Xander Phillis."

"Wait, I thought… Did you change your name?"

"No no, I… I'm sorry. You called me Toshinori… And he died a long time ago. I'm Xander now, so please call me by that name."

Berial paused for a second before he nodded. However, Xander suddenly felt dizzy and he began to fall. Nicodemus and Berial quickly caught him, and Xander slowly stood with their help.

"Come on, you moron… Let's get you in bed. You at least need to rest a bit longer before you do anything else."

Slowly carrying Xander back to his room, they helped him lay down, and Xander sighed softly. The pain wasn't bad, or at least. He could ignore it well enough. Nicodemus crossed his arms and he sighed softly, rolling his eyes at Xander. Berial spoke up though.

"You seem as rambunctious as ever… I remember when we found you. Training in the woods, a little 12 year old… Man, you were a handful."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Now I'm 19 and I best the crap out of Haruki Beelzebub. Don't think I'll let you mess with me, I'll gladly best you to."

"OH, is that so? Well perhaps I'll show you what it is someone like me can REALLY do-"

"BOTH OF YOU. Come on, I love to joke, but seriously, Xander, you literally cracked your ribs and bruised your lungs. You are gonna end up killing yourself."

The room grew quiet as Xander sat there, feeling useless. The fight with Haruki hadn't been easy of course, but it had left him with a good bit of wounds. Of course, though, he'd dealt as much as he took. Sighing softly, he sat up and looked at Nicodemus.

"Tell me, what is going on in Kyoto that you and Berial were talking about."

"... Ah, so you heard. Well… There are RUMORS… Egyptian Monsters have been in the area. The Yokai Faction, headed by the 9 Tailed Fox, Yasaka, live there. They haven't attacked, since the monsters are staying out of Kyoto."

"BUT, if we can get them on our side, their neutrality could help us bring together the 3 Factions under peace, plus start us to our Ultimate Goal… Bringing about Peace across ALL the mythologies."

"That is quite the goal… But a noble one. I respect it, I kinda want the same thing, after all. But that is interesting… The Yokai Faction would make good allies? Hmmm… Egyptian monsters too. Any info on those?"

Berial rubbed his chin softly, trying to think of how to answer the question. All that there were, were rumors, which was one of the points of Nicodemus. Nicodemus even raised an eyebrow and gave Berial a bit of a playful look.

"Well… There are rumors of men being led into the sea and to their death, so many assume it to be El Naddaha, basically a Siren. Possibly Griffons, Sphinx, Serpopards… We don't know, since they have not been investigated or gone into Kyoto."

Xander nodded, rubbing his own chin as he thought. Of course, he'd done some research on monsters before, but he didn't know some of the monsters he'd mentioned. Of course, that is, if he were to actually go. Nicodemus sighed softly and shook his head.

"Ok, Xander. You are not in the best condition. If you have to battle a lot of monsters, don't you think you'll end up hurting yourself?"

"No, I'm not worried. If you sent me, I'd take it easy, and I could get help from the Yokai."

"I don't think you could, Xander. It's not.like the world is always on the brink of war… But we need go try to keep thing amicable between mythologies. And some of the Egyptian Gods might be offended if the Yokai Faction directly attacked without provocation, and outside of their territory."

"But that's a maybe, not a definite, right?"

"Ok, they may not be in their top shape, but we can't know how they'll react. That's the problem with these situations. We have to tiptoe around already, since it's possible we could be discovered and called traitors to our own people. We can't go around, busting down doors and anything in our way. We have to be delicate… We sent you to face Haruki, because if we sent an Angel or Fallen Angel to do it, or perhaps even a Devil, it could and would have caused issues."

"Things don't have to be that complicated, Nicodemus. For all we know-"

"For all YOU know, one more konk on your head could shatter your skull. You have to always assume the worst case scenario. And I live to joke around and make light of the scenario, but not when it comes to you and our other agents, and the war itself. I could joke before because I was confident you could beat Haruki. But right now… You're hurt. And I'm not going to kill one of my friends and best men."

The room went quiet and Nicodemus rubbed his eyes and nose softly. Berial awkwardly sat there as Xander looked down. Nicodemus stood up and he walked over, grabbing hold of the Devil, pulling him away before looking at Xander.

"Xander… Go to sleep. Rest. The world won't end without you, I promise…"

Xander sighed and he laid back, closing his eyes. All he could think about was a memory long ago. One that haunted him to this very day.

.

.

.

Xander suddenly was in front of a small house, the night air nipping at the tip of his nose. Feeling panic and fear rising in his chest, he knew what night this was. But something deep down wouldn't let him close his eyes or look away. Something wanted him to see this again. He was suddenly forced into the house. He remembered this day vividly, more so than anything else. He'd gotten expelled because he had punched one of his classmates. His father and mother, while they said he'd hit him too hard, were proud he finally stood up for himself.

Ordering some food, picking out his favorite movie. They spent time with him, and he'd thought it was the happiest day of his life. At least, at the time. But while Xander remembered this part fondly, he knew all too well what was coming. Because, perhaps he'd tempted fate. But everything was about to go bad so quickly, this day would become the worst day of his life. The day that would haunt him for the rest of his life to the very day he died. The reason why he had trained so hard. But, during all this self reflection, things continued to move around him.

His mother and father were watching the movie with him, cuddling with him under a warm blanket. They'd eaten their food, and Xander was starting to get sleepy. However, a loud knock came from the door. His father went to the window to look outside. When he saw who was there, he quickly scrambled. His parents looked at each other, and his mother picked him up, running upstairs. His mother brought him to his room and she put him in his closet, kissing his forehead.

"Everything will be ok, sweetie… You'll be ok… Stay here for me. No matter what you hear… Please, Toshinori…"

But before he could see his past self say anything, he was suddenly back downstairs. Xander felt his heart thumping as he watched the scene play out. This memory filled his head and overflowed. The sound, the sights, his feeling, all of his senses felt like they were being overloaded as he was forced to watch the scene play out. His father came to the door and he slowly opened it. Outside, a short man in a business suit and 2 larger, much more muscled men behind him. Even if this man was a human, he had the cruelty and cunning of a snake. Smiling, he tilted his head.

"Mister Hibata… How are you doing this fine, winter evening? May I come in?"

"Yes, you m-may. And… I… I'm doing just fine. How are y-"

"OH, I'm great, just great… Now listen, your payment this month… It's pretty late. About 2 weeks late at this point..."

"I-I know. We didn't quite get enough to c-cover it, and… I-I am picking up extra shifts to get the rest to y-"

"No no, don't do that… No excuses. See, I brought my friends with me… To secure a payment or… Well, make sure you understand why you are supposed to pay on time. As for your flimsy excuse… I can smell food, and I heard a movie… You seem to have money you can waste on that..."

The two muscled men walked forward as the short, snake-like man gave a cruel, nasty smile. Xander's father backed away slowly, and his wife came downstairs. Whistling, the Loan Shark's men grabbed both his father and his mother, holding them up. Brandishing a gun, the men were preparing to do something. Xander watched in terror, this part still ever so vivid in his mind. His child self peaking around the corner upstairs, having come out from where his mother had hidden him in the closet. The Loan Shark caught a glimpse of him and he smiled, a sadistic glimmer in his eyes.

"Well, well… I didn't know there was a Hibata JUNIOR in this house. Perhaps he should teach you your lesson… Using him. It should make it so much more… Clear..."

The young boy ran down, and tried to attack the man. One of his guards rushed in and knocked him aside. Thrown against a wall, he was left feeling weak and immobile, the pain of being thrown like that filled him.. However, his father was now free. His father charged at the guard who was aiming a gun at him.

"RUN TOSHINORI!!"

His father grabbed the guard, and the man shot him down. His father falling, a hole where his left eye used to be. The young child's eyes widened and Xander felt tears running down his face. His mother began to weep, and anger filled him. White hot, bubbling rage drove him forward. He ran forward, pulling back his right fist, concentrating on the punch. The only fighting move his sad had taught him, his signature right hook. But as he went to punch the man, an explosion of light and pure energy came from his right fist. It filled the room, and every was shot back, except for the child. Xander called out this time.

"NOOOOO!!"

Falling to his knees, he watched as the entire house exploded all around him. The walls falling, pictures disintegrating, everything Xander had of his old life annihilated. Adamant Absorption's awakening having caused it all. The child awoke in the wreckage. And while it took him a moment to understand, tears streamed down his face, and he began to call out.

"Mom… Dad… MOM!! DAD!! PLEASE BE OK!!"

Tears streamed down his face as the child tried to get through the wreckage. But, once he saw his hand, he was terrified. The wailing of sirens in the distance made the child perk up and start running away. Suddenly, Xander was in his old body, running down the streets to get away from.the place he called home. Running and running as fear, sadness, anger, all those emotions filled his heart.

.

.

.

Shooting awake, Xander quickly touched his eyes, feeling the wet tears still there. Sniffling softly, he coughed and cleared his throat. The day that he'd died. The day Toshinori Hibata ceased to exist anymore. His right fist glowed and Epsilon spoke.

"Xander! Are you ok!?"

"Yes… Yes, I'm… I'm ok."

"Are you sure…? You seemed to be dreaming about that night again…"

Xander was going to respond, but before he could, there was a sound, and Xander quickly looked over to see Berial smoking. Epsilon didn't say anything more, or perhaps it was because Xander was so messed up, he just didn't notice him speaking. Berial gave him a sympathetic look and he quietly nodded.

"I can see it in your face… I'm sorry Xander, for whatever it is that happened."

"... There is nothing to be sorry about. Don't worry about it anymore."

"Xander… The mission I spoke of earlier… Do you think you can do it?"

"Yes. Yes I do. I think I can do it… Because I can't stand doing nothing. I'd rather die, then sit here knowing something is going on."

"... Nicodemus doesn't have to know. I can arrange for you to go."

"No… Won't he know and I will be taken off duty?"

"I can take all the fall… Say that I told he said it was fine, and-"

"No, no lying."

"Ugh, dammit, that's right… Ok, what should we do?"

"Bring him here… Do that for me."

"Fine, fine…"

Leaving the room, Xander stood up slowly and he began to stretch. His shoulder and arm felt better. He grabbed a piece of metal and made a splint for his right arm. With that support, he'd be fine. His cracked skull had been healed with magic already. All that was left was his clothes. Putting on his Grey tank top and black hoodie over the top, he was suddenly face to face with Nicodemus. Xander looked at him and he simply said.

"I'm going. There is nothing you can do to stop me."

"... I could demote you, you know? I could MAKE you stay."

"You could… But I know you won't. I want to do this Nicodemus. Please, let me do this… I can't… I don't ever want to watch those I care about fall, ever again. Let me do this mission."

"Ugh… FINE! OK, ok, you win! Just PROMISE ME you won't overdo it!"

"I promise."

"Ok, I'll hold you to it… If you get hurt more, I'm tying you down to this bed and you're gonna FULLY recover, before I send you out again. Ok?"

"Ok, ok…"

"... Good… Now, I have a plane ticket and a hotel room in Kyoto that will be rented for about a week. Maybe more, if you need more time."

"Wait, why do you have this prepared?"

"Because I know you too well… I knew this would happen. I knew you'd wear me down, and I'd say yes. Because you're fucking crazy."

"... 5 Dollars in the sw-"

"Just get out of here! Damn, I'm already up thousands to put in it at this point, there is no reason to track it further!"

"Thousands…? Good, you reminded me, I thought it was the in the hundreds."

"GOD DAMMIT! I DON'T CARE IF YOU DIE ANYMORE, JUST GO YOU ASSHOLE!!"

"... That will be 15 more dollars…"

"WHY?"

"Lord's name in vain, plus 2 curse words."

"... FUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!"