Hey guys, this is 1602jaw himself. Returning from beyond the grave...nah, just kidding.
Anyways, it been like a while I update this story. Simply put, I was pretty much busy on working other stuff, so that explain why it has a slow update.
However despite that, I'm still able to pump out new content.
So before we begin, let's read some review, shall we?
TheMasterkat: Yeah, he did took it pretty well, unlike Screamer. Also darn, I should've added a reference to him being torture by Vegeta. Whatever, I'll probably add that later on.
Memeking the Third: True, he did took it well, which is more scarier than having a huge temper issue. And I'm glad you like that Steam Lad with a new friend.
NonedescriptNorbert: Oooh trust me, I got lots of stuff prepare for Aqua to endure. It going to be lit.
Guest: Nice challenge ideas, and also a great character submission for Weird World, and next season. I'm glad you wanted to add some idea for this show, since it doesn't gain much.
Anyways, that all with the review. Let begin!
"Last time on Total Drama Cruise!" Chris recap, in a despair tone, "So uhhh our ship, apparently, got destroyed...somehow. Due to some incident with the Warners and the Vikings, I was trapped down there trying to escape for my life. Unfortunately, things gotten worst as I was held hostage by some kid name Jose! Luckily, I made out of there alive and well. Oh yeah, and Ryuko, Brendan, Aqua, Armin, and Eddy made it outta their alive too, soooooo...good...just...good for them. So with that outta way, let continue shall we? Now that there's five remaining cast left, who will last long for the finale? Stay tune right now on Total! Drama! Cruise!"
The fogs litter in the sea.
The sun bearably shine onto the bleak sea.
The blue sky is cover in the grey and white gloomy sky, with clouds showing no visible marks.
As the submarine move through the foggy area, Chris was looking at a list, next to Red eye who is navigating.
"Nope...Nope...Nu uh", Chris said, still looking at the list, "Gosh, had we already done so every challenges that involves treasure hunting or battle royal? It getting old already".
"Uhhh, I don't know", Red eye replied, not taking his look off and remaing still, "Is there another request challenge?"
"Well...there is one".
"Hmm?"
"I manage to find one requested from Ireland", He said, "Any idea where we are?"
"I think we are coming near an island, off the coast of a castle of some sort", Red eye said, looking through the periscope, "It seems like Ireland by the look of it".
"How would you know that?"
"My eye, fool".
"Oh, ok good", Chris said, "There's a challenge up ahead that might be interesting. Head straight to the island".
The sub move toward the foggy sea, heading toward the coast that is near a huge, pointing cliff.
On top of the cliff is a castle, with a dark and tall tower. There, it a pointing, sharp balcony stares across the distance, away from the moon itself.
But then there's a figure standing behind the windows. He stare down at the submarine, coming nearer and nearer to shore.
At the new cafeteria, Ryuko and Brendan sat together as Aqua was wasting herself with more booze.
Ryuko groan as what happen back there was something she hope won't happen again. Even Brendan knew of it and felt pity because of it.
"I can't believe what I just did back there on live TV", Ryuko said, face down on the table.
"You still embarrassed by it?"
She nodded.
"Look on the bright side", Brendan said, "At least we aren't dead".
"Yeah, but still. God, that was f**king embarrassing".
"You haven't slept much, did you?"
"Of course I didn't", Ryuko told him, "After that anniversary sh*t you really expect me to look all clean and nice?"
"No..." Brendan then asked, "Also, did you try to take a shower?"
"I did, but it wasn't working. I think it was broken, probably by Aqua".
"Does everything have to be place the blame on Aqua?"
"Yes".
Statics, cut to Ryuko.
"Alright fine, I was just too busy memorizing this stone I got", She pulled out the Soul Stone, showing it up at the screen, "I get the feeling it going to be important later on, but I don't know what".
Statics, cut to Aqua.
"This is great! No more Starscream, no more Alastor! The only person left is Ryuko. Ooooh, this is exciting. I smell those sweet cash within my grasp!"
Statics.
"Well due to everything that happen so far, let's try to move onto something….important", Brendan said, "Like what are we going to do, once we get to the final two? Because...I'm a little anxious about it"
"Oh yeah, literally forgot about that", Ryuko then asked, "Why are you so anxious?"
"Maybe it just me, but I didn't really expect for me to make it this far. with my limited skills, I'm surprise I manage to make it with you".
"I guess so. Then again, I'm not too surprise, since I didn't think Aqua and Eddy would last this far".
"Ryuko I want to ask you something. Are you afraid what going to happen for the both of us?"
"Uhhhh no, why?"
"Well for starter, if we ever become the final two, I'm a little worry, with all the things we experience so far, it may go to waste".
"So what you getting at here is basically, you and I would be enemies, and everything we gone through will be meaningless right?"
Brendan nodded.
Ryuko didn't took this serious, shrugging it off, "Pff, as if that's going happen".
"Your not worry?"
"Of course not, you and I are still friends, no matter if we going to compete one another", Ryuko said, "Besides, it just a game to win money. If one of us win, we could always share the money".
"Yeah, yeah", Brendan replied, "I guess I'm just too nervous about it. You know, with all the hard decision we have to make. Still, since we are near the finale, I wonder about the stones and the cave drawing are. I try coming up any solid theories, and it still doesn't add up".
"Don't think too much about it. Trust me, I think some of these stuff may one day be answer, just as long you stick with me".
Just then, Chris loud speaker is then heard, "ATTENTION COMPETITORS! WE ARRIVE TO OUR NEXT DESTINATION!"
"Finally, he didn't call us loser this time", Ryuko said, a bit relief by it, "God, that was annoying".
"What do you think the challenge is going to be?" Brendan asked.
"Probably fights, explosion, anything that could get ourselves kill", Ryuko replied.
"Your not in high self esteem, aren't you?"
"Yep".
"Geez, I really wonder how the first contestants manage to survive from Chris?"
"It better we don't dwell on that. Right now, let's get this over with and win this, okay?"
On shore, the contestants were standing on the beach where boulders and rock scatter everywhere and seagulls land to spot any tiny creatures passing. Snatching it and consuming it for themselves.
The area was still foggy and cold. Not too cold, as they await for someone?
Not Chris, as he is there too, waiting for someone.
Eddy yawn, Aqua try to wrap herself from the cold, and the others simply waited.
Armin notice Ryuko eyes having really dark outlines, which concern him, "Uhhh Ryuko, are you-?"
"If your wondering, I didn't get much sleep".
"Oh, is it because of the anniversary thing?" Armin asked.
"Uhhhh...yeah, it f**king is".
"Oh, umm, alright", Armin said, "Gotta be honest with you, I'm a little stoke about this challenge".
"Why?"
"Well I kinda think it just due to us being the final five", He replied, "Anyone would act excited enough to win. It pretty much a endgame situation".
"That's a odd mindset, but okay".
"You know, me and Eddy were wondering if you guys want to join us".
"Really? As friends".
"Yeah".
"I mean, I'm not surprise, since the only a**flake we have here is Aqua".
As they waited for another hour or so, Aqua got a bit impatient and ask Chris, "Hey! What are we waiting for? I am getting cold here!
"Umm, our guidance", Chris replied, "It said someone is going to arrive here and take us to some castle or whatever. Probably a tour guide".
"If I'm going to wait longer, I am going to….uhhh….damn it, I forget what I suppose to say".
"Anyone else getting some eerie vibe here?", Eddy asked them, wrapping his arm around, "Especially since it foggy. and the fact there's a castle literally right near us?"
"I don't know know, it feels kinda warmly", Armin replied, "Creepy, maybe but not too creepy".
"Somehow this place seem….familiar", Brendan comment, "Like….it hit home to me".
"Maybe it because it Ireland, idiot", Aqua told him.
"I guess, but…."
Finally, after a long wait a figure appear. It was small, almost to the size of a child. It moves very stiffly, it legs were like a creaking chair. It appearance was all black, only showing the eyes where the pupils are cat like. It wears a helmet, resembling a World War one helmet, and a cape.
There it came, holding up a stick with a hanging lamp.
Chris and the contestants themselves were puzzle by it, as it makes it way toward them, making mechanical noises as if a clock is ticking.
"Uhhh...hello dude?" Chris then asked, "Are you the guy?"
It nodded and replied, in a female voice, "Yes. Come. My master is had been waiting for you".
At first, some were a bit hesitate, as a small creature with a creepy voice like that would speak of trouble. Of course, Chris doesn't care and shrugged it, now following the creature and gesturing the others to follow him.
"Do we really have to go?" Eddy asked them, a little shaken, "I'm getting real irk feeling about this already".
"Hey, try think a bit more positive", Amrin told him, as the rest follow Chris, "I mean I'm scare too but at least I'm maintaining some calm thoughts".
"Yeah, calm thoughts. As if that's going to change anything about what going to happen".
They follow the creaure up the hills and into the forest.
The forest itself was dark. The trees resembles twisted, but dark skeletons. The leafs seem harshly dead, and the grass is almost resembling the black ashes.
This seem to creep Eddy further, to the point where he tugged himself near Armin.
Aqua herself was a little scare, but her over determination kept her going.
"This place is...strange", Brendan remark, "Nothing around here seem alive".
"Like I said, we been through worst".
"Yeah, but nothing like this".
"This place used to be inhabitant to giant, black rabbits", creature answer.
"And what happen to them?" Brendan asked.
"They unfortunately disappear over time", the creature replied in a sorrow tone.
"Well that's good reassurance", Eddy said to Armin, "At least there aren't any weird, giant monsters roaming around".
"Eddy", Armin said.
"What? I seen Ed horror flicks, I know by fact they can act deadly at times".
"Uhh sooooo pal, excuse me, who are you taking us, exactly?" Ryuko asked.
The creature replied, "I am taking all of you to my master, Lustor Curropt".
"Lustor Curropt?"
"He is my master", It replied again, nodded "I am Genni, his loyal servant".
"Wait, is this Lustor guy super rich?" Aqua asked, "Because that what I'm getting at here".
"Aqua, you just wanna to ask that if he has real booze or not", Ryuko told her.
"No it isn't!"
"Yes, I mean let's be real after what you told us about your adventure to two Total Drama reality, you just want more booze, and ones that don't taste like cr*p".
"I hate to say it, but you are totally true on that one".
They finally made it to the castle. The castle was old, with the grass roots crawling up on the wall.
As Genni open the huge, wooden corridor the contestants were wary, preparing for what to happen next.
The door open to reveal a throne room of some sort. The huge room is wooden, having a old 19th century feeling with the design, chairs, carpets, statues, and carvings alone.
The paintings were line up on each wall, with curtains covering it. Glass candles were lit up, each side has doors leading to other pathways. Two doors were at the front and are separated.
There, a wooden throne was there. A man sat there. He is very lump, gloomy, and kinda old. A machinery is attach behind his back. Two pumping pipes slowly pump up and down, looking like it going to be out of function very soon.
The man himself has a long, white beard. He wears a dark, blue robe with golden buttons on him. He wears a cape that reaches his shoes and has a cranky and stern, but sinister facial expression.
Opening his eye as if he is awoken, the man begin to speak in a deep, opera voice ( Similar to Christopher Lee ), "Genni, what did you bring? Who are these...strangers?"
"My apologize, my master", Genni bowed, "I forgot to inform you that our- I mean, your challenge idea has been selected by a reality show.
"I did not commission any challenges. I do not know what I was involve in, nor do I need more guest here, especially ones that do not resemble my precious, Na-"
"Sorry to interrupt, I am Chris Mclean", Chris stepped in, shoving Genni outta the way, "The host of a reality show, Total Drama. And you sir, are lucky because today you going to get famous".
"I do not need fame, nor company", Lustor state, "I only need one thing, and that thing is me, alone and nothing else. So begone".
"Dude, you don't have a choice", Chris then pulled out the suppose contract he made, "You already sign the contract so there's no escaping from it".
Lustor scowl. He got up and was ready to shout, but somehow he has a second thought.
He sat back down, telling him, "Very well then. I will allow my suppose 'request' tobe taken. However, I suppose a introduction between your cast and me is fair".
"Alright then", Chris turn to face his contestants, "Guys, this is the Cosmic Alchemist".
Then he turn his direction toward Lustor, "Lustor my man, these are my competitors, here to bring some enlightenment in your life".
Lustor did not smile. He simply scoff and gesture to continue.
"I'm already confuse and creep out", Armin remark.
"Yeah, no kidding", Ryuko added, whispering to him, not feeling scare at all.
"Okay guys, listen up", Chris begins, "Today challenge, you guys are gonna try to entertain this guy by any mean as possible. Whoever got approve by him, wins".
"Okay, and then what?" Ryuko asked.
"And...actually, now that I think about it", Chris turn toward Lustor, "Do you have any other challenge after this?"
"Hmmm...I'll think about it".
"Like he said, he'll think about it", Chris continue, "So good luck, everyone!"
"Why do I get the feeling he didn't plan this out", Ryuko mutter.
"Genni!" The Alchemist shouted, with Genni appearing next to him, "Take them to the changing room".
"Yes, my master".
Statics, cut to Ryuko.
"Okay, this is already becoming creepier and creepier. But again, I'm not surprise. I can tell what's going to happen. Everything is going to be creepy as f**k and make it out of there alive. It that simple".
Statics.
In a hallway, the contestants were waiting for Aqua to change in there, as she proudly decided to do so.
"God, what taking so long", Ryuko asked, "She's been in there for half an hour ago".
"Take it easy, Ryuko", Brendan told her, "She's probably trying to figuring out what to wear".
Ryuko sigh, crossing her arm and leaning near the wall.
"Hey. is it me or does that guy literally creep me out?" Eddy brought up.
"You mean the old guy?" Brendan asked, "Because we already know that".
"Yeah, he does give me a ominous feeling", Armin comment.
"The whole place is already ominous", Ryuko said.
"And you not afraid of it?"
"Of course not. What? You think a creepy castle is going to scare me?"
"Okay, I'm ready!" Aqua said, slamming the door open to reveal her openly, almost naked body.
Ryuko cover Brendan Eyes, as Armin and Eddy jaw dropped when seeing her. She was clad with a bikini of some sort, with scarfs wrapped all around her.
"So what do you guys think?" Aqua asked.
"I think I'm starting to regret saying all those mean thing to you", Eddy comment, blushing himself.
"And I thought Alastor has terrible fashion", Ryuko sarcastically remark.
"Oh shut up! He'll like it".
"How? He's like...I don't know, in his 80s or 90s", Eddy said, a bit dumfounded how an old man like him would be attracted, even if there's possibility he may scarily like it.
"Not to mention, he doesn't seem interested in anything sexual", Armin point out, "What makes you sure he'll love it. This place is already creepy enough".
"Boy, if Sanji is here", Ryuko said, "I'm betting he'll totally like this".
"Well I'm certain he appreciate it", Aqua state, "I know how old guys like".
Ryuko shudder, "Don't ever say that".
Back at the throne room, the alchemist was still sitting there with his hand above his forehead, as if tired or frustrated.
Genni sat by him, playing what seem to be a lego set, complete with a city and some mini figures.
Aqua appear before him, as Lustor lift his head up to see her. He was...very bitter to her appearance.
Spiteful, even.
"Hey lustful Lustor", Aqua said, showing and curving her body to him, "How do you like my appearance. You really enjoy it, do you?"
He growl once more.
She try posting by showing off her body. Then she show and shook her butt.
It didn't work, as the Alchemist groan much more.
This made Aqua extremely desperate, saying in her own thoughts, "Crud, he's not buying it. Better pull out my A game here".
She decided to do dances in a erotic and suggestive manner. But before she do that, she said this to him, "Alright, prepare for my signature dance!"
She leaped up in the sky, ready to land and begin her dance.
Unfortunately, she landed down in a banana split.
This cause extreme pain that made her squeal, but she kept smiling and raise her arms out, saying, "Tada! My...signature...dance!"
silent came in.
And about 8 minutes later, Lustor responded, "That's it?"
"Uhhhhhh..."
"NEXT!"
Statics, cut to Aqua.
"That was bullish*t", Aqua said, "I literally show my body to him and what do I get? That's it?! Gosh!"
Statics.
"Anyone else want to entertain me?" Lustor asked, shouting in the room.
"Oh great, I can't think of any other idea to entertain this guy", Armin said to them.
"Let me try", Eddy told him, sounding really confidently, "I think I can bring a smile to this guy".
"Are you sure? Because you don't seem like the type to be make fun of".
"Relax, I'm a king of jokes", Eddy said, "I know how to crack a good one liner. I do that all time whenever I do a scam. Without the, you know, Kankers around to mess things up".
"Oh, that's...actually, that make perfect sense", Armin told him.
"I know".
"But there's just one question", Brendan asked, "How are you going to do it?"
"Easy".
( 10 minutes later ).
Explosion, fireworks, and puffs of cream sprung out everywhere.
It splatter on the ground and on the walls.
Lustor wasn't touch by any of this whatsoever.
As Eddy stood there, awkwardly grinning while wearing a jestor costume, clown makeup, and a hacksaw, as what happen here is a comedy skit...goes wrong.
Armin, Aqua, Ryoko, and Brendan stood there with stunned look, as Eddy chuckle a little.
A chuckle indicating his worries and regret, "Heheheh, soooooo...uhhhhh...you like it?
Lustor replied, "No...you have fail me!"
Statics, cut to Eddy.
"Ok, so using my old scam scheme for a comedy skit probably wasn't a great idea", Eddy said, "Nor does it help I have to wear that ridiculous thing. Seriously, why did I choose that to wear?!"
Statics.
"Anyone else?" Lustor asked them, after Genni sweep every slime out with a broom, "Surely there must be more than this".
'Uhhh sorry, I can't think of any", Ryuko replied.
"What?" Brendan was baffle.
"Look, I can't think of some way to entertain the guy. I don't want to sound rude, but he seem...kinda disinterested".
"Hate to say it, but me too", Armin even agree, as Eddy return rubbing his head.
"You have all been terrible to me", Lustor told all of them, "All of you".
"Well excuse me", Aqua told him, "It not my fault you didn't enjoy what I show you".
"Aqua, you barely did anything besides standing there and showing off your a**", Ryuko told her.
"I was going to do something, if it hadn't been for Lustor here interrupting my second chance".
"Yeah, I can tell bullish*t in your claim".
"Oh don't tell me you can't up come with jack sh*t! At least I try!"
"Guys, calm down. The both of you", Brendan told them.
As he was talking to them, Lustor attention was focus on a book poking out of Brendan bag.
He notice it and seem very familiar to it.
"Let the Alchemist decide and we can discuss about this later", Brendan told them, "Right now, acting like this isn't going to help".
You! Boy! What is that thing poking from your bag?" Lustor asked, demanding a reply by pointing at him.
They were a little startle by the huge response, but Brendan quickly reply, "Oh, uhhh you mean this?"
Brendan pull it out. The book of Kells, as Lustor whisper, "Yes".
"Uhh this is just my book", Brendan reply, "It technically contains sketches and-"
Before he could respond, Lustor did a small, quick approach to him.
After he finally confront him, he look down at him.
He asked, "Perhaps would you mind let me see it".
"My book?"
"Hmm...yes".
Brendan was hesitate to do so, but he reluctantly gave it to him, as long as it just a quick look.
He handed it over him.
Lustor begin to flip the pages faster and faster.
Ryuko stood close to Brendan. She and the others were confuse by this, as the sudden reaction made them wonder.
He kept flipping and flipping, until he stop to one particular page. One containing the cave sketch.
Brendan awaited for his book to be handed back.
And after a long silence for about 8 minutes, he close it.
He then handed it back to Brendan, replying, "Interesting display, child. What is your name?"
"Um Brendan".
"Brendan...", Lustor gave him a stare with interest, but at the same time skeptical, then he turn to the others, "perhaps I find a winner. A successful, even. Brendan!"
"WHAT?!" Both Aqua and Eddy were shocked, as after what they did back there. Brendan of all people won just by his book alone.
It didn't bring a smile to the man, but it pleased him enough.
The response struck everyone off guard, even Brendan.
Right on cue, Chris barge in the room, asking, "I heard there's a winner?"
"Yes, indeed", Lustor replied, "I have proclaim Brendan as the winner of this first...round".
"Oh, cool" Chris said, "Finally, I actually thought it going to take longer than this".
"Were you outside waiting for this to be over?" Armin asked him.
"Uhhh no...ok, maybe", After a long moment of awkward silent, Chris sigh and finally admit, "Alright fine, I got pretty impatient for you guys trying to entertain this guy, so I just waited outside for any excitement to happen".
"You know you really don't have to do that", Ryuko told him.
"Enough!" Lustor cuts in, "Now that your first challenge is over. Your second one has begun".
"Second one?" Ryuko asked.
"Yes. Your second is about staying here for three nights only".
"Wait a second, THREE NIGHTS?!" Ryuko and the others were more shock by this.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, WHAT?!" Eddy added, he too was the most shock of them all, as he didn't want to stay in this castle, just by the look of it.
Choosing Brendan a clear winner is one thing, but THIS?!
This was a huge shocker, even to Chris himself.
"Whoa three nights?" Chris remark, "Now that's a solid second challenge idea".
"Chris! You literally going to allow this?!" Aqua asked, not wanting to sleep in this creepy place.
But this didn't seem to faze Chris, as long it gain more views and give him more free time, "Eh, it seem's easy".
"The winner will be those who survive through the night easily, without any problem whatsoever", Lustor said.
"Oh come on, this is insane", Ryuko said, turning to Chris, "Chris, you can't-"
However, Chris has disappear and is no longer there, leaving them to stay three nights with the Cosmic Alchemist himself.
Ryuko sigh, "Damn it, Chris".
"Genni!" Lustor call out, as Genni appear running and tripping until he got up and confront him, "Take the four guest to the second hallway on the left. As for the winner, he'll get to sleep at the upper roof".
"Oh come on! You telling me he get to sleep comfortably?!" Aqua asked, not very happy by it, "While we have to sleep down here in this crummy place?! That's bullish*t!"
"Please, do you want to sleep with that guy?" Eddy asked, pointing at him, "I hated it too, but at least it better than sleeping near this weird, old creep".
"Maybe I should come with him", Ryuko suggest, as she is not comfortable with Brendan being alone with this man.
"No! This is between me and Brendan", Lustor told her, "As a winner, he get to sleep alone in a more delicate manner".
"Just...go with Genni, Ryuko", Brendan assure her, "I'll be fine".
Ryuko has doubts, so does Brendan.
However, she comply but still cautious about the Alchemist.
She sigh and reply, "Ok, but if he does anything to you, just shout out my name, alright?"
Brendan nodded.
Ryuko pat him on the shoulder, as Brendan follow Lustor heading upstairs to the right.
He look back to Ryuko, who is still there. A concern look between the both of them, as Brendan finally resume back and follow the Alchemist.
"Hope he's going to be okay", Ryuko mutter.
She and the others follow Genni to the door that leads to the hallway.
Upstairs is a huge, dark hallway.
It is a hallway that leads to left and right. The left ends at the long window, while the right continue down, as another staircase is on the right hand side, which leads down the bottom floor.
The hall is decorated with the finest antique. Tables, cabinets, photos, paintings, lamps, masks, cups, and pots filled the entire hall.
There were four cabinets, two of each separated between walls.
One was a glass cabinet, which contains dishes from the 18th to early 19th century.
Each wall has attach 19th century lamps, barely lighting the dark hall.
There were many photos and paintings. Some were familiar, while others are quite unknown.
Each paintings are different. Some are huge, while others are tall.
The photos are all black and white, some from the 19th century to the earliest 20th century.
Even the walls, floor, and ceiling has a touch of 1900s interior design to it.
The pots were old, dusty, and has any design whatsoever. They were made possibly around Ancient Egypt or Greece.
Brendan was at awe by the sight of it. He look around, following Lustor.
He notice each photo contains a different person, ranging from explorers to soldiers. Some wore uniforms or clothing from Europe or America, while some wore some Arabic or African clothings.
Brendan assume this man must've been very old by the indication of these photos.
He asked him, "Who are these people on those photos?"
"Those are friends of mines from long ago", He replied, "They were part of my expedition".
"What's the expedition about?"
"It was...merely a search for a necklace", He replied, decided to move onto a different topic. One that is more important, "It was nothing too important. It was just a small failure from the past. By the way, I admire your work from the book".
"Really?"
"Yes, it seem's your drawing some how bring a little satisfaction in me", Lustor replied, "I have always admire Celtic art. But yours seem far unique then the ones I encounter. You have skills that I appreciate".
"Oh, uhh that's great to hear", Brendan was still weirded out, but overall he wasn't too spook by him, "Sometime I always wonder if anyone appreciate it. Ryuko like it, Wendy like it".
"Nonsense. Art is a food for everyone. Each will enjoy it, others will hate it. by your work alone, there is no excuse for one to hate it".
Finally they stop to a door, where Lustor open it.
The room itself was huge.
It has a huge, white bed with clean sheets. There was two book cabinets on the back wall.
A cabinet near the left side of the bed, with a 19th century lamp.
A wooden chair and desk is on the right side, with a long mirror attach to it.
"This will be your room, child", Lustor said, "It has everything in it for you to enjoy. Books, a desk to draw, and a comfortable bed. Do anything that pleases you".
"Uhh thanks".
"But before I go, I hope we can discuss about your book in more further detail, if you have time".
"Sure, I don't mind it", Brendan replied.
"Good, indeed", He said in a dark tone, with Brendan looking at him with a confuse look.
Lustor leave, as Brendan enter his own room.
There was one window, shining some light into the room.
He put his bag on the table and look through the window.
He look down to see the waves splashing onto the rocky below. It pale drips of water did somewhat bring a little comfort to Brendan, as he sigh to himself.
He wonders what he's going to do, now that he's near the end of the show. He also wonder what this place is, who Lustor is, and why did he took a interest of the Book of Kells. But he can't think now. He feel tired and need some nap.
Back to the others, Genni open the right side of the door, revealing a long room.
There were eight wooden beds, separate from each other. With four of them being right at the front, while the other four were back behind. From the left and right end, there seem to be chests.
The interior was dungeon like, with the ground, wall, and ceiling having a rocky texture.
"This will be your room to stay", Genni said to them, as they look at it, "I hope you are satisfy by it".
"Satisfy? This looks like crap", Aqua comment, not highly impressed by it.
"Well it better than nothing", Ryuko said, as she and the others head inside while Aqua continue to complain.
"I shouldn't sleep like this", Aqua said, "I wanted something fancy, not this crud".
"Deal with it", Ryuko said, laying down on the bed and sighing in relief, "Thank god I didn't have to entertain the guy".
"Woohoo! Now this is bouncy!" Eddy begins to jump onto the bed, which seem to make him bounce up and down. Reason behind is just out of fun. He pretty try to forget about this whole affair and enjoy the simple things like this.
"Eddy, what are you doing?" Armin asked him.
"Just having a little fun", Eddy replied, "Man, these beds are really bounc-"
Before he could finish, he was thrown up into the ceiling, now stuck there as the debris fall on the bed sheets.
He was hanging there, asking for, "Uhhhh...any help?"
Statics, cut to Armin.
"At least Eddy still has his self esteem at the very least".
Statics.
As Armin try to pull Eddy down, he asked Ryuko after seeing her putting her blade and stones under the bed, "Hey Ryuko, mind asking me about you and Brendan stone thing".
"Hmm, oh you know about that?"
"I mean, all of us do".
"Huh, well I guess I can't be too surprise".
"So what do you you two think what the stone is?" Armin asked, "Because I'm curious".
"No idea", Ryuko replied, sitting on the bed, "Brendan already came up with a few theories, one of which seem to connect with the cave drawing we encounter earlier. After we, he's kinda stuck in the middle of it".
"That's unfortunate", Armin said, as he finally pull Eddy down, who fell back on the bed, containing dir stains and crumbs on him, "Do you have any theories".
"Mmm, no", Ryuko replied, "I don't want to dwell too much of it. I'm more focus on the challenge, more-sore than the stuff around the stone mystery".
"I understand", Armin replied, "Me and Eddy do try to remain focus as well".
"And I'm fully prepare for anything!" Eddy said, smiling and pointing to himself, then going from this to being spook a little, "Well, a little".
"Ugh, I can tell this challenge is going to suck badly", Aqua groan, "God, can this day get any worst?!"
At night, Brendan was laying in bed cover in blankets.
The dim light from the lamp cast some small illumination for Brendan to look at his book, particularly the page containing the cave painting.
He can't help it. He can't stop thinking about it, no matter how hard he want to focus on the challenge,.
The fox, the three stones. What were they? What do they mean?
He kept wondering about it, talking to himself, "What does this mean? The figures, the creature. What are they telling me?"
As he kept looking at it, his hand reach out as if he was going to stroke something. He look and realize it.
He sigh, as he kept forgetting about it.
The fact Pangur Ban isn't here. The fact Aiden and Aisling aren't here.
It made him alone, misses them. He wish they were here to help solve this mystery.
He even ponder why he even sign up for this show in the first place.
Still, it did allow him to make new friends and meet new worlds.
He yawn. Feeling dreary a little. He rub his eye, as he kept thinking more and more on this particularly sketch.
Then he felt a urge to pee.
So he got up and open the door.
He poke his head out to look around. It was dark. He can't see anything, not even the ground for that matter.
He figure he needed to bring the lamp with him, so he did.
He walk back and grab the lamp.
As he walk out, he pass by many doors, each being identical.
He was unsure where the bathroom. He felt stupid to not ask Lustor about this.
However he figure one of these doors must be the bathroom.
He grab each door knob and try to open.
None. He try that again, but each time he did it didn't open.
He figure he needed to continue down.
As he walk through the hall, he kept looking around both side of the walls.
There were knight armors and greek statues, some looking like replica of real life statue, but shorter.
He notice something off about the paintings, that he didn't think of before.
The paintings too were black and white landscape, showing the hills, trees, lakes, and some giant rabbits
But what make them strange is all of it has a ominous feeling, as if there's meant to be colors on it.
And there was one, as he pass by a long, huge painting.
It shows what appear to be a black, towering castle. The background was all purple, having a storm appearance.
"This is something new", Brendan thought.
He wonder why particularly this painting has color, but he didn't want to focus too hard on it.
He continue, until he reach at the very end.
There was a stair pathway on the left, leading to the bottom floor.
He wonder if it leads to the bathroom. Of course it sounds dumb, as he knows by the look of it seem's obvious not.
But there was a feeling of curiosity.
For some reason despite the path looking dark, he wonder where it leads.
"I get the feeling I shouldn't enter, but...".
So he remain calm, but at the same time cautious and enter it.
He walk down the stairs, noticing the wooden floor felt less brittle than the other wooden floor.
It felt like he wouldn't fall.
At last, he finally made it down, which led him in a huge room. Much huger than the top floor.
There were large pillars scatter everywhere.
It seem to have lots and lots of storage here, indicating by the stench of dust and the visible outline of each object.
He didn't want to continue further, since it seem's like he isn't suppose to be here, but his curiosity took over and he continue on.
Looking around, he sees that these were crates that has unknown symbols written on it.
Some were open, while others were not.
And the ones that are open, they reveal weapons. Guns, swords, staffs, and even bombs.
There were also other items too, some being paintings and photos, this time they were different.
They have more colors and seem pretty modern.
One photo particularly made Brendan stop and took one look at it.
It seem to show a individual, clad in white.
Below it is a word written in ink, which read, 'Mister White: The Super Producer'.
He assume it a name. He wonder who this man is, but he can't think too much, as he continue on walking.
He kept walking, seemingly interested by these.
As he turn around to face where he was going, he stop and jump a little, seeing a long painting being the end of the path, which was now split into two, leading to left or right.
The painting itself contains what appear to be cloak, black figure with vikings helments, a white beard, and a long sword raising up.
Brendan calm down.
He look directly at it, as something about it gave him distant memories.
Memories he hope he didn't had to remember, but now he did.
The viking on the painting resemble the same viking he had confronted long ago.
The ones known as the Northern Vikings. The ones that had tore down his home.
He remember all of it.
This cause him to close his eye and make him rub it, groaning as a way to forget it.
He shrugged it, and decided to move onto the right side, ignoring the painting.
Still, it did made him wonder why a painting with a figure resembling a viking was down here.
Maybe it a coincidence, he isn't sure.
As he continue, he began to hear sounds.
It was small and hard to listen, but he heard voices coming ahead.
Voices sounding like groans and even screams.
He felt scare. At the same time, he wanted to know.
But before he did, he trip on something causing him to fall, as the lamp fall down.
It didn't broke, luckily. However, it did shine onto something of what appear to be a mechanism, which seem to be a old recording device from the 19th century.
The horns, the roller, and the gears.
Brendan notice it. He grab it, wondering what it is. As he was examining it, he somehow touch the gears, which seem to start a recording.
It was a voice of Lustor, but there seem to be another man.
The man said, "For the last time, I have no idea what happen to your wife. All I is she disappear after a revolt, and that's all".
"You must know where she is".
"I cannot. You do realize there's a possibility she may be dead, you know".
"She is not. Do you expect me of a fool? To search all around the universe for your info of her alone?"
'No, I expect you to be insane. Cripple. Forget about it, she's probably gone".
"You do not know that. She may still be alive. Your the only person who was with her during that event".
"Yes, but that was a long time ago. Before I swallow my own sorrow. Right now, I need to continue my search".
"Your search?"
"My search. A search for the info of the Scarlet King"
"Blah, are you insane. There's no way it could exist".
"Oh it is, I tell you".
"Fine, so beat it. I'm grateful you had wasted my century time to look for you. Good day, Gjira".
The recording stopped.
Now this made him more curious. Who is Gjira, and what was Lustor doing in the recording.
There's also the question what he mean by searching for her.
He want to know more about this man.
That is, until he pause and look up to see Lustor, looking down at him with a lantern.
He demanded, calmly, "What are you doing up this hour?"
Brendan got up, replying, "I was...trying to look for a bathroom. I'm sorry I enter here, if it forbidden".
"Yes...yes, you are right", He said, as he gesture him to follow, "Come. I'll show you where it is, but do not enter here again, understood?"
Brendan nodded, as he follow him, leaving the sight where it is.
In the morning, the day remain the same foggy and gloomy appearance like yesterday.
Brendan awoke, rubbing his eye and trying to open his eye.
A door knock starlet him, as he got up and open it.
It was Genni, telling him, "Lustor want you to head to the dinning room this instant, please".
"Umm, ok".
After he close the door, Brendan dress up and bring his book, not wanting to leave it here.
He came out with his usual robe and look around both side.
He then bump into Ryuko, who was just trying to figure out where the dinning room is.
"Ryuko, there you are", Brendan said, "Sorry, I didn't see you".
"It alright, did the old guy do anything to you?"
"No, actually", Brendan replied, "He only show me around and that's it. Though while I was looking for a bathroom I may have discover something".
"Really? What?"
"Uhhh, it best if we talk about this after breakfast", Brendan replied, not wanting to dwell too much right now, "So how's your night?"
"Terrible", Ryuko replied, as they head toward the direction of where the suppose dinning room is located, "Do you have any idea how terrible it was to sleep next to Aqua?"
"Uhh...no?"
"Trust me, your lucky you didn't have to sleep like the rest of us".
"Is it because of her snore?"
"No, it more or less the fact she kept whining and crying that she didn't win to sleep in your room".
"Wait, seriously?"
"Yeah, as if things couldn't get worst she kept yelling and screaming, possibly from her nightmare. I even almost going to muffle her to make her shut up. Speaking of..."
The dinning room was located at the top floor, on the left hallway and on the right side at the end.
They see Eddy, Armin, and Aqua being there, with Aqua groaning and sitting near the door, as if she can't be patient enough.
"Hey guys, nice to you see here", Brendan greet them, "How's your night".
Armin: "Aqua".
Eddy: "Aqua".
Aqua: "F**k off!"
"Ooooh, I'm...guessing your night was the same as hers, right?" Brendan pointed at Ryuko.
Armin and Eddy nodded, as even they can't bare enough with Aqua whining.
"It not my fault! I should've easily won that!" Aqua stated.
"Well if you hadn't done that stupid trick, maybe he would've made you the clear winner", Ryuko told her, "Which I doubt would happen".
"Honestly, I think Eddy would've win", Armin mention, "Since he did put a lot of effort in his own entertainment".
"Aww, thanks", Eddy was flatter.
"True, and not to mention, it was a little enjoyable", Ryuko said, "Which I can't say the same with Aqua".
Aqua: "Ugh! Screw you! All of you!"
Brendan facepalm, he was too tired to deal with this and simply told them, "Can we please not be jerk to one another. I just wanna eat".
"Man I'm starving here", Eddy groan, "I hope it going to be better than Copper guy food".
"Anything is better than his food", Armin agree, "Believe me, I rather eat rotten bread than what he cook".
"Eww".
"Yeah, it disgusting, but what do you expect from someone that have to survive every day with hungry Titans and a limitative food supply".
Finally the door open, causing Aqua to loose balance and fell, which reveal a great scenery.
The dinning room was long, with a chandelier up in the ceiling.
It was decorated in dark white and light brown. It has a early 20th century pattern design, with flowers and diamonds appearing on the walls.
As for the table itself, it has forks, spoons, and knifes place in a clean order.
The plates were very pure white and clean.
There were three candles place on the long table, with the whites sheets matching the white chairs, as there are eight chairs for several guest to sit.
For food, there was two towers of pancakes with butter and syrup. Ham with creams of butter on top of it.
There was pork, sausages, biscuits, steaming soups and milk, and a giant pile of bacon.
They were at awe and surprise, with both Eddy and Aqua drooling.
Genni appear, bowing to them, "Your feast has been made. Enjoy".
"DIBS ON THE BACON!" Aqua shouted, as she shove Genni outta the way and dive herself onto the giant bowl.
There she chow, along with Eddy who join up with her.
The others sit, as Lustor came and sat at the front table, behind the window.
"Man! This is delicious!" Eddy commented, taking a huge bit on the pancakes and pork, "This is a lot better than what Copper guy serve us".
"Mmmmm, this is soooo good", Aqua compliment.
Armin took a fork, sniff a piece of a pancake and took a bit. He seem to enjoy it, complimenting it, "Hey, it does taste great".
"I am grateful you all like it", Lustor said to his guest, as Aqua ignore him and continue to eat, "It is something traditional for me to serve the kindest guest with high class feast to any individuals".
"You know as someone who doesn't eat from strangers", Ryuko said, "You aren't half bad".
"Please, right now it important for all of you to gain health, until...things get worst".
"What do you mean by that?" Brendan asked him, a bit suspicious by his lines.
Lustor got up and head to the window where he stare down to the scenery.
He said, "There is a mysterious creature roaming around here. One refer to as...the Dullahan".
"The Dulla what now?" Aqua asked, pausing her meal.
"It is a mythical entity, known for being headless".
"So basically, he's like the headless horsemen, right?" Eddy asked, having a little fear in his thoughts.
"In a way, yes", He replied, "Fortunately, he doesn't come around here often. But when he does, it best for...anyone to remain in their room, until sunset, if there is a sun".
"Oooookay", Eddy said, feeling a little uncomfortable and spook.
Genni came near Lustor and whisper to his ear, as if speaking of a important matter.
He nodded.
Genni left the scene. Lustor stood up and told the guest, "Pardon me, but I must be going now. There is a important matter I must confront. I'll be returning soon".
After he left the scene, Aqua, Armin, and Eddy continue to eat, as Ryuko decided to struck a conversation with Brendan.
"So what discovery did you want to talk about?" Ryuko asked Brendan.
"Oh, it...really weird", Brendan begin, "I discover what seem to be a huge storage room down the bottom of the castle".
"Did you found anything important?"
"Yeah, there seem to be lots of weapons and firepower. And I seem to notice some more stuff, one of which seem to be a recording that includes Lustor and some other guy. From what I can gather, he seem desperate to search for someone, but I don't know who".
"Interesting. Anything you else found".
"Well...this may seem creepy, but I seem to heard screams and voices".
"Voices? Where?"
"It...hard to tell", Brendan replied, "I was too tired at that time. I can't tell if it was in my head or not".
"I see".
"Ryuko, I have a bad feeling about this".
"Can't blame ya", Ryuko told him, looking around, "This whole place does give me some unnerving feeling"
"Do you think he has something to hide".
"Of course, why else would he live in castle in the middle of nowhere".
Lustor return, along with Genni.
"Everyone, we have a new guest who was wash up on my shore", Lustor announces, "Please be...gentle with him".
The man reveal himself through the door.
He was huge, wears a coat, a belt carrying a huge gun, and has short pants.
His skin is red. He has black hair and two horns that seem to be cut off. He also has a tail.
They were surprise to see this man, and also utterly puzzle. Except for Aqua, who continue to ignore them.
"This is Hellboy", Lustor introduce, "He'll be staying here for a few days, until help arrive".
"Hi, how are ya", Hellboy greet, as he examine the place and contestant themselves.
"Please, take a seat", Lustor gesture, as he sat back down to his chair.
Hellboy took a seat next to Aqua.
He was a little bother by it, but it wasn't a huge big deal.
"Now then, anyone want to discuss about a certain matter?" Lustor asked everyone.
"Uhhhh yeah, do you have any real booze in this castle?" Aqua asked.
"By booze, you mean whine and champagne, then yes we do".
"Sweet!" Aqua then called out to Genni, standing near the door and still playing with a Lego Minifigure, "Hey little guy! Get me some freaking liquor because I'm thirsty!"
"So I'm guessing you guys are the contestants of Total Drama, right?" Hellboy asked Ryuko and Brendan.
"Uhh yeah, how do you know that?" Brendan asked.
"Well, I just figure", Hellboy replied, "I only came here by accident, so I didn't expect to meet you guys and this weirdo. Still, I better get going fast. I have a mission to do".
"I assure you, my friend", Lustor said, "That your time here will be short, along with everyone else".
"Riiiight", Hellboy remark, "And to think this isn't the strangest thing I encounter yet".
"You creep out by him too?" Ryuko asked him.
"Yeah, aren't you".
"You and me bud".
"So where exactly are you from?" Armin asked Hellboy.
"I would love to tell you, but I'm kinda feeling exhausted", Hellboy replied, "You know, getting drifted here".
"Mind asking what your mission is?" Brendan asked him.
"I would...but it top secret so no".
Suddenly, their attention was gain as Lustor begin to feel a little pain.
Genni approach him and try to comfort, but Lustor refuse, "No...no...no, I'm fine. Please..."
"Are you okay?' Brendan asked.
"I'm fine"m He replied, "It merely the machine that needed some repair. It is a life support me to endure".
"Ok then..." Brendan said, feeling a little bad for him. He wonder how he go his life normally, with that thing attach to his back.
"If you don't mind, my boy", Lustor stood up, referring to Brendan as Genni return with a tray of glass whine, which Aqua snatch and drank it, "I want to speak with you at my room on the balcony, after breakfast".
"Umm sure", Brendan replied, reluctantly accepting his offer, as Lustor left the room.
Brendan was still eerie.
Of course, it goes the same to everyone.
His attitude, his grim face, and refuse to chance expression. He was like a ghost, in some way.
After breakfast, Brendan head to the hallway where he find a long door facing the same black tower painting he had encounter before.
Unlike the other doors, this one was clad with dark purple.
He open it, revealing a more gothic and dark appearance.
The room was long and huge.
There was a fireplace on the right side. A grey bed, a table with what appear to be ten bottles, with two on the ground.
Scrap of paper scatter the floor. The carpet was purple, but has what appear to be blood stains.
As Brendan enter, he notice a portrait on the right side wall, facing the bed.
It show what appear to be a Egyptian Queen, wearing entirely white dress and having black hair.
She shows no emotion. Not even a smile.
He see Lustor on the balcony.
The balcony itself was long, pointy even.
Brendan can feel the hard breeze when heading outside.
It was still foggy and the sea is still grey.
In the distance, there was nothing. No ships or sunlight, just a cloud of grey.
Brendan approach him, as he turn and greeted him, "Ah, I am glad you have came. I want to discuss about your...book more further, child".
"May I ask something first?"
"Do ask, young one".
"Who is that woman on the portrait?" Brendan asked, referring to the portrait he saw. He wonder if it was the same woman he refer to on the recording.
The mention of the woman seem to change his tone, as he chuckle a little, until resuming back to his cold expression, "She...is my wife. Her name is Namora. Queen of Egypt from long ago in a different universe".
"Wait, long ago? Different universe?"
"Yes, I am far from being in my one hundreds. I'm older than Earth itself".
This surprise him, but also made him more curious, "Wow"
Lustor move to a different discussion, "Now then, there is something particular I want to speak of. One involving a certain drawing".
"And what's that?"
"The fox"
"You mean the cave painting one?"
"Yes", He turn to look at him, "Do you know what it is?"
"Uhh no, I don't know what it is", Brendan replied, "I try figuring out what it means, but I can't seem to find a solid answer".
"Perhaps I could help, since I know what this creature is".
"Really?"
He nodded.
"Then...what is it?"
He looked down, then begin his explanation to Brendan, who was finally relieved that someone like him knows what it is, "This entity is known by many names. One name particularly is Torrica. It is a entity that is neither good or evil. A creature existing between reality and non-reality".
"So where did it came from?"
He pause, as if he doesn't know. As if the background for it is too much of a mystery to be answer. However, he replied, "No one knows, even I don't know if it existed. But from what I can gather, it came from beyond existence itself. Beyond life, beyond, time, beyond...anything".
"Woah", Brendan has no word. Whatever this thing is, it kept him wonder more and more. Such a being like this is out of this world.
"There is another being like Torrica", Lustor mention, "Even related to".
"Wait a minute, there's another?"
"Yes", He nodded, "Unlike Torrica, this one is both pure good and evil. Nothing is known about it, other than it is only refer to as the Third one".
"Are they...harmless?"
"Maybe...maybe not", He said, "All I can is one doesn't intervene, while the other do. One have less emotion, while the other has more. But what makes them the most common is their stories. No one knows if that exist. Neither do I, but here we are".
"Interesting", Brendan remark, "I would really love to learn more of this".
"And you shall", He said, "Now do you ever wonder why I am refer as the Cosmic Alchemist".
"Uhhh, yes".
He proceed to pull out a coin.
As he show it to him and grip it hard, a light flashes from it, revealing it to be a cosmic, small solar system.
This amazes Brendan, "Wow, how did you-"
After he clench it back, where the coin the small system has vanish, he explain, "It is my infinite practice with this skill. there are many others like me out there, who dare to expand more and more of their ever living knowledge. Unfortunately. my power is draining away".
"Oh, really?"
"Indeed", He said, looking down from the cliff below, as Brendan look on as well.
In the lounging room, which was entirely design in wood, has two couches and two chairs, and a round, wooden table.
Eddy was pretty bored, laying on the couch, as Aqua began to drink two bottle of booze.
"This is sooooo boring!" Eddy groan, "There's literally nothing to do here".
Armin, meanwhile, was checking the bookcase, and picking out a random book to read, "Try find some enjoyment, like reading".
"Are you kidding?! I'm not the type to read, you know", Eddy told him, "Besides magazine, of course".
"Come on, it won't hurt to try", Armin throw a book at him, which seem to struck him in face, but squish out, as Eddy face warp back to it normal self, "Here, I find something you might like".
"A history book? Seriously?" Eddy asked, looking at the cover, which was a history book of Ireland.
"It may be good to know something", Armin told him, "Would you rather sit all day and do nothing".
Eddy can't hate the guy. Instead, he roll his eye and groan, then begin to flip the page.
Outside, Hellboy lift his phone up, expecting for any connection. Nothing.
He walk near the cliff and try again.
Still nothing.
He sigh, lowering his phone, "Crap".
Then Ryuko went out and notice Hellboy, "Hey, what's up. What are you doing out here?"
"Trying to get a connection, but I can't seem to get one", Hellboy told her, "If you ask me, this place is beginning to get stranger".
"Your not the only one, pal".
"What's your deal being out here".
"Oh, nothing", She replied, "Just...getting a little fresh air".
As she said that, she notice something...off.
Turning around, there was no sight of the forest.
In fact, as she kept walking toward it there was no path or trees on sight.
It as if the forest and path itself disappear.
She even turn around to look at the sea, and there seem to be no submarine on sight.
She remain wary, of course but the feeling of the unknown kept her questioning even more and more.
"Say, something doesn't seem right, Senkestu", Ryuko talk to her shirt.
"What?"
"About...this place. I could've swore we went through a forest here".
"No, I meant what did you call me?"
"Senkestu?"
"My name is Senketsu"
"Wait...really?"
"Yeah, did you seriously mistake my name for the entire season?"
"Uhhhh..."
"I can't believe this".
"Well don't blame me! I have to go through tons of sh*t and you have a problem of me mistaken your name!"
"Excuse me, it not like you ever use me much, except for the last challenge".
"Ugh, whatever", Ryuko move on, "Look, there is something odd about this place".
"You think?"
"Yeah, the fact the man acted weirdly with Brendan, the fact this huge, red guy is here, and the fact there's no freaking forest, path, or Chris stupid submarine around!"
"Why am I not surprise".
"I got to stay cautious", Ryuko told him, looking back at the castle, "I'm going to try to ask the Alchemist a few question".
"Wouldn't that provoke some trouble".
"As if that's going to be a shocker".
"I'm just saying. Everything what we been through are usually unpredictable. Maybe asking these weirdos questions probably won't sit well".
Ryuko shrugged his comment off.
Right before she walk back to the castle, she saw something in a distance.
A silhouette of a fox.
She blink once, only for it to disappear.
She wonder if that just a ordinary fox, Torrica, or something else.
Back to the lounging room, Hellboy and Ryuko enter the scene.
Armin was still looking, Aqua still drinking, and Eddy...fell asleep, snoring and having his book on his face.
Armin took notice and asked, "Oh hey guys, what's been going on?'
"Can't get any connection", Hellboy replied, "Does this place have any magic internet thing".
"They got booze!" Aqua drunkly replied, hiccups and continue to swallow.
"Anyone seen Brendan?" Ryuko asked them, "I want to talk with him and the Alchemist guy about something".
"Umm they still upstairs, I think", Armin replied.
Right on cue, Brendan and Lustor enter.
"Greeting, I hope everyone is relax", Lustor said to the guests.
"Everything is relax!" Aqua said, holding out the bottle, then proceeding to vomit and fell on the ground.
"...very good then".
"Hey Lustor guy, I want to ask a few things, if you don't mind", Ryuko said, crossing her arm.
"What is it?"
"Uhh it about this land. I notice there's no forest, which there clearly was".
"It probably your brain tricking you", Lustor replied, "There was no such thing of a forest around here. You all probably have been seeing when you arrive".
"Ok then...would you mind asking me where Chris is?" Ryuko asked, "Because I don't seem to see his submarine around here".
"He's probably off doing his own things", Lustor told her, "I assure you, madam that everything here is tame and neutral".
After Lustor left, Ryuko asked Brendan, "What did he told you back there"
"He actually gave me an answer to those cave drawings".
"Wait a minute, really?" This caught Ryuko off guard a little.
"Yeah, he told me the creature is some kind of mystical, god like, black fox being name Torrica", He told her.
"Really? Did he told you anything else?"
"He told me there's another one. Tho, he didn't go too much into details. All he told me is this one is pretty much the opposite of Torrica. Torrica is not good or evil, while the other one is pure good and evil".
As if things couldn't get more surprising, Ryuko finally got some answers of her encounter with the creature.
However, she wasn't sure what to do now. She could tell him what she knows, as finally there seem to be something to solve her mystery.
But something in her kept her from telling the truth.
So she replied, "Interesting. Perhaps you and I could ask him more".
"Sorry, he told me only I can talk with him privately", Brendan replied, "No one else, really".
"Oh, that suck".
"Yeah, sorry", Brendan apologize. He felt bad to mention it, scratching his head because of it, "But anyways, I actually saw him preform a neat Alchemy trick".
"Oh, that's good to know", Ryuko said, "You know while you here, there something I want to speak with you".
"What is it?"
"It...never mind, it probably not important".
Ryuko wanted to tell him. She desperately want to. But the secret is too powerful for her to spill.
Later that night, as Aqua drifted away sleeping she begin to appear lonely in her dream.
There, she stood total darkness, looking around and confuse. And also, worry.
She begin to shout, "Hello? Is anybody there?"
Her echoing voice is heard, as she heard laughter.
Laughter that she clearly remember before from her other dream.
She begin to feel frighten.
"I don't like this", She utter.
Then suddenly, the voice begin to speak with her, "Come...come...come to...come to..."
"Come to...what?"
"Come to...the storage room..."
"Storage what now? Wait a minute, are you trying to tell me something here?"
"I...know the secret...one you desire".
"Desire?"
"Yessssss..."
Outside the dream scene, Aqua is snoring loudly and muttering, "Secret..."
As she was doing that, Ryuko was laying her bed. Her arms laying behind her head, as she ponder over this.
She ponder over the stones she was given to by Brendan, and how the alchemist may help solve the mystery of the stones.
After all, he may know much, based from what Brendan told her.
"I gotta learn more about this", Ryuko whisper herself, "I gotta know what these stones are and the purpose of it. I can't asked Lustor. Maybe Brendan could do it for me. After all, he's been a nice kid".
As she is beginning to drift away she could've sworn of hearing footsteps.
Footsteps coming from out there.
A bit confuse and curious, she lifted her head up to look under the door.
There, she can hear footsteps becoming louder and louder.
The others were sound asleep, but for her she can hear it.
It could be the Alchemist, Hellboy, or even Genni.
But the footstep sounded more like clicking. As if a horse is in this castle.
Wondering what it is and not showing any fear, she got up and open the door slowly.
She peep out to see nothing.
A bit annoyed and relieved, she close the door.
As she was walking back to her bed, she heard the footsteps again.
She open the door again, and what she saw perplex her, but at the same time...terrified her.
There in the door was a dark horse. A figure riding on it.
It is a man with no head.
The head is being held by the arms of the headless man, who wore old 18th century clothing and wielding what appear to be a human spine of some sort, dripping blood from the sockets.
The head was grinning, showing it long, sharp teeth, bloody and crusty.
The eyes, especially the pale pupils, were staring opposite from one another.
The skins were grey and rotting. The hat itself was flesh like, even the coats, pants, and boots.
The horse itself was dark, has red eye, and the skin seemingly rotten with blood.
She froze there. Not moving an inch. She was ready to get her blade and kill it, but she just stood here, unable to flinch.
Her eyes widen, as the horse snorted and huffing.
She knows what it is, but doesn't know how to deal with it.
Silent there was, as the entity didn't move a flinch. It just stood there, looking down at her.
Suddenly, she heard a voice, calling out for her, "Ryuko...RYUKO!"
"Kid! Wake up!"
She awoke, surrounded by Hellboy, Brendan, and the others looking very concern for her.
She found herself on the ground, still in the room, but near by the door.
Ryuko felt dreary, rubbing her head and asking, "Uhh, what happen?'
"You were sleeping on the ground, that's what", Eddy said.
"Wait...did...did anyone see that?"
"See what?" Brendan asked her.
"The...headless...horse guy. Anyone saw it last night?"
"Uhh no, we were asleep", Armin replied.
As she was being help up, she kept asking more, "What? Seriously? You guys did not woke up and see that thing?"
"Ryuko, what are you talking about?"
She wanted to explain what she saw.
As she was going to explain it, Lustor and Genni appear to them.
"What's going on here?" Lustor asked them, "Is there a issue?"
"I'll tell you what's going on", Ryuko told him, "I just saw that...thing you mention earlier, standing in front of the doorway".
"Really?" He asked, raising an eye brow.
She nodded, awaiting for some explanation.
This seem to struck some concern to Lustor, as he look down to Genni, who too show a bit concern.
But not fear, by the indications by his expression.
He seem seriously concern, as if Ryuko suppose to not see it.
"Perhaps it just a nightmare, sleeping walking maybe", Lustor told them, as he walk out of the room, "Right now, I have other business to attend".
After he left, Hellboy remark, "Ok, that was a quick answer".
"There is something up with that guy", She said.
He then face Ryuko and asked, "So what do you mean his mention of some headless guy earlier, huh?"
"Back at yesterday breakfast, he told all of us about some mythical entity name Dullahan", She replied.
"Dullahan...", Hellboy mutter.
He was familiar with these mythological oddities. Figuring this is no passing off matter, he replied, "I seem to heard of that guy, before"
"Really?"
"Yeah, and to be frankly honest I think what you saw was probably no nightmare".
"So hold on for a minute", Eddy asked, in a scare tone, "Your saying that thing is real?!"
"Uh huh".
"Holy crud! I actually thought the old bag was just playing a cruel joke".
"Wait a minute, you really thought he was playing us?" Armin asked him, in disbelief by the fact Eddy would expect a guy who look like a vampire to be playing some joke on them.
"Ok, to be honest I was just pretending to think he was, okay", Eddy told him, "I just didn't want to admit it".
"If this thing is real", Brendan then asked Hellboy, "What does it want?"
"Souls. It's looking for someone to die tonight, and frankly since it Ryuko, it probably after her".
"What are we going to do?!" Eddy asked.
"Simple, we search for it and get rid of it. Now I'm pack with some golden bullets, so that could really weaken him".
"Hang up, maybe this is just part of the challenge here", Ryuko said, "Getting rid of this weird thing".
"How would you know?" Eddy asked.
"Remember what the Alchemist guy said earlier", Ryuko said, "From my assumption, I think the challenge here is to survive from that entity and try to avoid it, heck maybe even capture it if we lucky".
"Basically, a Scooby doo challenge?"
"Yeah, something like that".
"Hmm, actually that would make perfect sense", Hellboy said, "Considering I'm not part of your crew, I guess I may need your help on tracking it down".
"Tracking it down? Are you guys insane?!" Eddy asked them, acting very baffle by this, "What if it get us first?!"
"Kid, that's the whole deal", Hellboy replied, "Right now, we all need to stay low and wait until it comes out. For the mean time, I'm going to get some fresh air".
As Hellboy left the scene, Ryuko asked Brendan about a certain request, "Hey Brendan, may I talk with you for a minute?"
She pulled him to her room, as Armin and Eddy left the room to go back to the lounging room, to see if there's any info about the Dullahan.
"What is it, Ryuko?" Brendan asked.
"I have something to say", Ryuko begin, "I notice you been talking with Lustor a lot, lately and I'm really concern right about now".
"Ryuko, if you are concern about him trying to hurt me, then I assure you. He's been very nice to me a lot. He even compliment about my sketching skills".
"I know, that's why I want you to ask him about the Stones".
"You mean, the three stones you got".
She nodded.
Brendan was a little hesitate, as he wasn't sure if Lustor would know something about it.
Although a little question like that wouldn't hurt, so he replied,"I guess I could asked if he knows anything about it. He does seem to have some vast knowledge of everything".
"Thanks kid, I appreciate"
But before could leave, Ryuko told him one last thing, "Oh, and one more thing, if he-"
"I know, if he try to harm me I'll alert you. I promise".
He left, leaving Ryuko to pulled out the three pieces of the stones and looking at it, awaiting for an answer to this.
She knows it important, but she want to know more.
While she was thinking, something dawn over her. Then it struck her, "Wait a second, where's Aqua?"
Meanwhile, Aqua was somewhere in a dark, dungeon hallway.
She was a little creep eye by the little lighting done by the hanging lantern.
Her dream sequence cause her to search for the secret. She wanted to end this odd dream, but also wanted to know something.
Something she is quite too curious about.
"Secret...what secret? I don't know what that voice mean, but I'm kinda convince it has to due with this weird guy keeping some weird value from us".
She look around to see any doors, but none.
"Crap, where is this secret always? I can't seem to figure out where. Gosh, if only that stupid voice give me more detail, then I would've"
Suddenly her step cause a change of room, as she was flip upside, facing down what appear to be another.
She fell and hit the ground, "Ow! That hurts!"
As she was whimpering and getting up, her expression immediately change, once she is confronted by a huge scene.
A scene filled with liquors and booze, being hugely stack on one another.
Her eyes widen in amazement, as she shouted, "Jack pot!
Back on the balcony, Lustor was still overlooking the sea.
His eyes remain stern, cold, and bitter. There was a sense of wind coming into him, but none to fill his heart with any love or hope.
Brendan return to him, greeting him, "Hey Lustor, hi. I have some question to ask".
"Before you ask, there is one thing I want to say, if you don't mind answering".
"Uhhh okay".
"Have...you ever miss a love one before", He asked, "A love from the past. One you cannot try to gain it back".
The mention of love and past was a hit home to Brendan.
Yes, he remember. At first, he was a little confuse by the question, but now he understand.
Not wanting to dwell much, he simply replied, "I...I'm not sure".
Lustor sigh, "I thought so. For years and years, Namora was my bride. My partner and friend. Only friend. We bore two daughters, built a empire for us to survive, and we learn from one another. The power of existence itself".
Brendan wasn't certain what he was talking about.
This was a sudden replied.
Lustor begin to look down at Brendan. He asked, "Tell me, do you wish to bring the past to the present, if you have the power to do so".
"Uhhh...depend, why would you ask?"
He look back to the water, replying, "Just...out of curiosity, boy".
Brendan was feeling uncomfortable about this, as he use to have many friends before long ago. Even a family, too.
As the silent continue by 5 seconds, he asked, "Now then, what do you want to ask?"
"Oh, it...it about this certain stone", Brendan begin, ignoring what he said and continuing with Ryuko favor, "I can't...tell what the name is, but I was wondering if you know a stone that seem to cause anyone to turn pure white. Do you know such thing?"
The mention of the stone froze Lustor in place. His expression change to sternness to shock to even skeptical about his question.
He asked the boy, "Why do you want to know?"
"Because...me and my friend Ryuko got three pieces of...what appear to be stones".
His expression change. Not from a stern look, but a small surprise look. His eyes widen, "Three?"
"Gem stones, to be precise. But yeah, we weren't sure what they were, so I was wondering if you have any knowledge about it".
A pause came over, then he finally resume his serious expression and replied, "I do, somewhat".
"You do?"
"Yes, but I cannot tell you. The story of it is too...complex for you to comprehend".
"Huh, complex? Why?"
"That is something to not be told, my child", Lustor said, "It is a story forbid for anyone to know, even I cannot tell as for the safety for my well being".
"Please, I really need to know. Me and Ryuko are wondering wether or not the stones have any tie connection to Torrica".
"And why would you two think of that? What is your reason to know more?"
"The cave drawing, the stones, the weird thing that happen. I'm beginning to guess it serves some kind of importance later on".
"Really?" This seem to peak Lustor interest, so he asked more, "When did all of this happen, may I ask?"
"Well it happens after the cave challenge, where me and the others were trying to get a sphere of some sort".
"And then what happen?"
"Well Ryuko slip into a hole and return. Ever since then, things started to get weird".
"Intriguing", Lustor said, placing his finger up his beard and glancing over to the sky. It seems he has a plan of some sort.
One to benefit his own need.
"Boy, let me asked you. Did you ever ask Ryuko what she saw after she slip into the crack hole?"
"I...didn't ask much. Most of my focus was on the game itself. She only told me she saw some butterfly and a fox".
"Yes...I see...", He mutter, "Perhaps she is hiding something from you. Something she isn't telling you".
"What are you saying?"
He turn to him, asking, "Have you ever heard of the Realm without a Universe?"
"Umm no, never heard of it".
"Interesting. It is a realm that co exist between the non-existence and non-reality. It is a realm that no one can't go, except for a few".
"A few?"
"Yes, it only chose the ones that deserve to enter. One to serve a purpose or role for itself to learn. And even without the realm decision, the individual itself with grand power could allow itself to enter there freely. Unfortunately it is one of the rarest choice for those who desire to go".
"Okay then...".
"My child, I believe your friend had enter this realm".
"What?"
"Don't you see", He said, "She is hiding it. The secret. She knows more about the stones than anyone else, like myself".
"This...must be a lie", Brendan told him, "Ryuko would never hide something from me...would she?"
"She is not telling you ANYTHING! And if you want proof, I can show it to you by means of one source".
"One source? Wha-what one source?"
"The fountain of known. A fountain contains the water of the realm itself, particular the past and present. It will give you not only the answer of what she saw, but also...the stones and Torrica".
Brendan has mixed feeling. Surely the man is acting insane, but part of him think he may be telling the truth.
He didn't want to deny it, nor does he want to blame Ryuko, as even if it true then there must be a reason for this secret.
"I need your help. The only way it could be activated is by your hand alone. Our hands. It needs the young and old to make it work, based from my last experience long ago. Even I want to know the mystery of it".
Brendan did not respond. He instead look down, trying to think about this.
"I know your thoughts, boy", Lustor said to him, as Brendan lifted his head up to him, away from the sea, "I know that you want more. You want to know more about your friend secret and what behind these….drawings".
Brendan sigh, "It true".
"Yes, indeed", He said, "That is why I need your help. With you, we can see through the past. See where your friend had gone to, while you were continuing in your petty challenge of yours".
Brendan has doubts. Sure, he wanted to learn what Ryuko has been hiding from he, and the drawings itself.
However after looking at Lustor, he felt…uncomfortable. And some sense, concerning.
"Well, what do you say? Do you need my assistance or not".
"I would, but…I'm not sure about it".
"What are you not sure about?" He asked, a little roughly, "Is it your fear clouding you?"
"No! It just…I'm not comfortable of doing this", Brendan replied, "I would love to know, but I just...can't"
"What are you not comfortable with?" He demanded, "Tell me?!"
Brendan look at him, as he was a little startle by his yell. A yell of a desperate man.
Lustor knew this, and try to adjust himself, "So I notice. You're not ready to preform, hmm?"
Brendan didn't replied.
"Truly you are wasting these...times. My time. The time, space, and universe. You are being selfish from not complying our needs, boy", Lustor said, raising his voice little by little.
As Brendan back away, due to Lustor approaching him slowly with his hands out to grab him.
"Tell me? Is it necessary for you to back down now? Or is it not?"
Brendan still didn't replied.
This seem to frustrated him, causing him to have a outburst. His mind becoming unstable and unhinge, as he grabbed the boy, "Why am I wasting time discussing this! You are preventing me from seeing her! My wife. you fool! Don't you understand?!"
He begin to shook him, as Brendan try to get out from his grip, but it was no use.
"Think about your future! Think! What will your uncle say?!"
"Wha-what?" Brendan was struck by the mention of his uncle, as he had not told anyone about him, nor to the alchemist, "How did you know I have a uncle".
This seem to calm Lustor, but also made him pause, as if realizing what he just did.
Just then, a voice got their attention, "Stay away from him".
It was Ryuko, holding out her blade. Readying to slice him in half if he touch him one more time.
Lustor release Brendan, as he ran to her.
"My….apologize, for my outburst", He replied, "I did not mean to-"
"Shut up", Ryuko then turn her attention to Brendan, "Brendan, let's go. We leaving now".
As Ryuko pull Brendan away from Lustor.
Lustor look down to the balcony, as they were now gone from his room.
He then cough heavily and collaspe, half away down on the ground, only to pick himself up, "If the boy won't help me. Then I must find a different way to acquire his assistance...for Namora".
Down in the throne room, Hellboy was smashing the corridor several time to open it.
Eddy and Armin watches, as Ryuko and Brendan came.
Brendan was confuse by what happening.
He asked everyone, "What's going on here?"
"The door isn't opening", Hellboy replied, continue to slam his huge, red, stone fist at it, creating a banging sound, almost shaking the place, "Neither the windows. We trap".
"What?" This perplex Brendan, as well for a few, except for Ryuko who assume the worst from the very start.
"We try everything", Armin replied, "The windows, back doors".
"We even attempt to break it, which mind you I would've prefer digging out than me getting struck in the head by shards of chairs!" Eddy said, mentioning the fact each attempt they use a near by object, it usually resulted in Eddy getting physically hit for no reason.
"It was a accident, kid", Hellboy told him.
"Yeah, accident", Eddy said, sarcastically, "As if I endure enough already!"
"Any idea why the door is lock?" Brendan asked them.
"It obvious, Lustor", Ryuko replied.
"Lustor?"
"He lock us in, intentionally".
"But...we don't know that".
"Come on, Brendan", She said, "It pretty obvious".
"She's not wrong", Hellboy told him, "I got bad feelings when I first saw him. Now I'm kinda considering Ryuko assumption to be solid facts".
"If what your saying is true", Brendan then asked, "Why would he?"
"I'll tell you all why", The sudden voice startle everyone.
They turn to see Lustor, near the staircase and overlooking their situation.
Ryuko, not hesitating it, burst out and demanded, "Hey old f**k! Mind telling us why everything here is lock?!"
"Keep your tone down, madam!" He replied, adjusting his tone to remain low, "A storm is coming. A endless storm with no mercy to all who dare face it. I order Genni to lock everything and make sure there is none here that has any way for the storm to sneak in".
"I don't believe you", Ryuko told him.
"Believe what you may think, but I must keep you all safe, no matter what", Lustor then left the scene, leaving all of them to discuss the matter on hand.
"What are we going to do now?!" Eddy shouted, in panic mode, "We stuck here, there's no phone, and we are going to die by some headless dude!"
"Calm down", Hellboy assure them, "Listen, I know how things work around here and can figure a way out".
"But everything here is lock", Armin mention.
"Not everything", Hellboy told them, "I'm sure there's got be a secret entrance around here. Or even a tunnel. Eddy and Armin, I want you guys to take the right, back door to see if you can find anything".
"Sure thing", Armin nodded.
Eddy wasn't ready, as he asked, "Wait, you telling us we have to search the deepest level of this creepy castle? Are you insane?!"
"Come on, Eddy", Armin told him, "You said you were fully prepare for anything".
"I mention I was little prepare, not fully!"
"Ryuko and Brendan, I want you guys to search everywhere around this room", Hellboy continue, "As for me, I'm gonna try to see if I can get some connection from above".
"But Lustor forbid anyone to go, without his permission", Brendan state.
"Well sometime permission got to be broken, kid".
Later when the night is almost going down, Aqua was drinking the last bottle of whine.
Many bottles scatter the room, piling up, and leaving not a single drip of liquid on the ground.
She toss it away, burping and remarking, "Finally, all full up".
indicating by her brups of bubble and dreary eyes, she was drunk.
"So I guess that's what the secret is, huh?" She stretch her arm, then proceed to get up, "Oh well, best for me to go now".
But before she leave, she trip over a bottle and fell flat on the ground.
"Ow! F**k! that hurt!" After she got up, she look down to see a bottle that still hadn't been open.
She pick it up and scratch her head in confusion, puzzle by the fact she completely forgot about this one, "Huh, didn't notice this before. Oh well, last sip I guess".
As she twist and turn the lid, suddenly a huge yellow blast of lighting struck her back on the wall, as the bottle drop down.
Shaking and sparking yellow lightning out, she back away from it.
"What the hell?"
Hellboy was walking through the upper hallway to the right. There, he hold out his phone to get any signal.
Still none.
"Crud, not one beep", He mutter, "If only there is some magic internet connection around here".
As he was strolling, he heard a voice coming from the Alchemist room.
A bit suspicious, he hide behind the wall and hear the voices from the open door.
It sounded to be Lustor, talking to himself.
"Forgive me, Namora", He said, sounding as if begging for his crime, for what he will be doing, "There was no other choice on this matter. The child refuse my offer, in a attempt to save you. I know that you will hate me for this, but there is no choice. No choice in this harsh world that punish me from receiving the needs I desire. Please, beg for my sin, as what I am going to do".
As soon as he finish, Hellboy mutter, "Well, already knew he's bad news from the start, but this is messed up".
Then, he was knock out by something hard.
He fell on the ground.
And to who hit him? Genni, using a metal cane for the fireplace.
Lustor came out, looking down at Hellboy as if he expected it.
"I did what you told me to, my master", Genni said, in a tone pity tone.
"Yes...yes you did".
"What shall I do with him?"
"Put him with the others", Lustor told him, "But before you do that, bring Brendan to me. I need to speak with him...alone".
"Yes master, but before I go may I ask you something".
"Hmm, make it quick".
"I know I been serving you for a long time, but I want to ask. By what you going to do, is it...evil?"
'No...no, my child", He replied, placing his hand on it head, "It is simply a...small, harmless action that must be done".
"But..but if we doing just that, why do we need to lock them here? Why not ask?"
"Because if I ask, most won't understand and will denied my request", He replied, "In order for my idea to succeed, I must go to a different option. One that is far the reach of common sense. Do you understand?"
"Yes...master".
"Good, now go!"
Genni nodded and walk off, leaving Hellboy on the ground where Lustor look over him.
In the lounging room, Ryuko was tossing off books by books, trying to pull one of them to see a secret passage way is open, assuming there is.
"Come on, there got be some passage way or something", Ryuko said.
As she was doing that, Brendan was doing the same thing.
However he pause mid through, looking back to Brendan from the other side, "Hey Ryuko".
"Not now, Brendan", Ryuko told him, "We need to get out of here quick. I don't care if it still a challenge, I'm not gonna stick around much longer".
"Ryuko, there something I need to tell you".
She pause and look directly at him, asking, "What?
"It about my conversation with Lustor", Brendan begin, "He told me he doesn't know much about the stone".
"Ok, whatever. We'll know more later. Right now, I need to..."
"And...well, he told me there is a way to get the answer", "Brendan said, "He said he own a fountain of some sort, and he needed my help for it to work".
"Well if it is his work, I'm glad you probably denied his help".
"Ryuko, there's also something he told me...it about you".
This surprise her a little, "What?"
"He told me you were hiding something from me. He told me you enter some kind of realm, during the cave challenge".
"That's...that absurd", She said, trying to deny it.
She continue on with her task, as Brendan continue to talk to her, "I know, but at the same...I get the feeling he's probably right. Like maybe you keeping a secret from me".
"Brendan, what gives you the idea I'm hiding something? He's probably lying to you, trying to bait you".
"Maybe", He said, "I wasn't sure at first, but then it kept me thinking. You mention something about a fox, and he told me this creature is a fox like entity".
This caught her attention. She was worry. She wasn't sure if she should tell him or not.
However, she kept shrugging it off and continue.
"Ryuko, as a friend I want to ask, are you...keeping a secret from me or not".
"Brendan, I..."
"You don't have to tell me fully detail on what you saw or lie, just tell me if you are hiding a secret".
But before she could think of something to say, suddenly the bookcase slided slowly away from the right side to reveal a open passage.
She was shock, "Woah".
Ryuko turn around and told Brendan about this, "Brendan, I think I figure out-"
But before she could, Brendan was gone.
"Brendan?"
Meanwhile at Armin and Eddy situation, they were walking through the same hallway where Aqua supposedly fell down to.
"Maybe this was a bad idea", Eddy said, "We should really head back, man".
"Come on, Eddy", Armin told him, "Try to lighten up. We'll get this over with sooner or later, I promise".
"What if it doesn't come, Armin?" Eddy asked, "What if that headless guy come out and try to attack us, man?!"
"Then we'll do our best to avoid it".
"Ooooh, I hope you're right about that. Right now, I am going to literally pass out here", Eddy then asked, "Say, do you think these antique would cost greatly in a market place?"
"Uhh I think. I don't know, I'm not much of a antique guy".
"Well I been thinking. What if we...you know...borrow it s little".
"Wait a minute, you want to steal it?"
"What? Come on, no".
"Eddy, come on. I know your lying".
"I..I I'm not. I'm just saying, a little experiment couldn't work".
Back in Lustor room,.
Lustor is looking over his fireplace.
He stare at it with a look of nervousness and seriousness.
He felt a sense of regret, but there was nothing he could. His desire and lust for Namora cannot be rid of.
It must be tame by his own thoughts.
Brendan appear at the door, including Genni.
He turn and saw him, greeting him, "Ah, Brendan my child. I am glad you came, boy".
"What is it do you want from me?"
"I...want to apologize for what I did", He approach him, "I didn't mean to touch you. It was my temper issue for it to be blame".
"It...okay, what do you want? You still want me to perform something, right?"
"Perhaps", He replied, "But there is something else I want to show you. Something you probably hold...dearly".
As he pass by him, he gesture to the boy to follow.
Brendan was cautious already.
He knows how dangerous the man is, but he had no choice. But at the same time, he was skeptical.
So he follow him.
They head to the stairs that led to the huge, storage room.
Walking down the passage stairway, they head to the same direction where Brendan was headed earlier.
They went pass everything, including the Viking painting.
As they continue to move forward, Brendan begin to see everything from more treasures and gold, to even more photos.
One photo shows what appear to be a black and red hedgehog sitting on a throne with a crown and having a blank expression, with a word underneath it which read the following.
'Shadow the Hedgehog. King of NickEarth!'
Another photo shows a man in his 20s, wearing what appear to be a jumpsuit, having wavy and curly hair, and showing a smile. Underneath read, 'Travis Powell. Host of Total Drama Full Throttle'
These photos were curious to Brendan, but it didn't hatch on as he the sound of rock being pickering and pickering.
The sound become louder and louder, as they finally reach it.
A giant, long entrance.
There, a bright light, showing the hellish bright to them as they head inside.
Inside was a long balcony, leading to another entrance on the other side.
On the left is a brick wall, but the right shows a outside, bottom scene of a rocky level.
There, Lustor stop and gesture Brendan, "Look down, child".
He did just that and what he saw both shock him and horrified him to his core.
There, they were slaves. Some dress the same in a white, raggy clothing and long pants, while others were different. Some wearing cloak and robes, others not.
Some were human, others weren't.
However, what got his attention were some of the few human ones.
They were all wielding pick axes. They were winning something, which from the pile of red rocks seem to appear to be ruby.
But what got his focus was some of them were familiar to him.
"They...look just like the folks from...Kell", Brendan mutter, in a stunned tone.
"Keep looking", Lustor said, in a deep tone.
Brendan continue, as he see more and more familiar faces. The children's, the family, the lone and whole, they all there, looking perfectly the same, but with tired eyes and dreariness.
Then he saw them.
One was a short man, pickering the rocks down with it pick axe.
The other two were a man who is huge, and another that is skinny. Both are tired and weak, pushing the crate and dumping more ruby on the pile.
Brendan knew them. He mutter, "That's...I can't believe this...that's Brother Leonardo, Brother Assoua, and Brother...Square.."
"Yes, alive and well", Lustor spoke, "I have purchase them from long ago to force them to mine these caverns for ruby, in order for my attempt to bring back Namora. Alas, these attempts become more and more irritating".
"I...I don't understand", Brendan wanted to know more. He demanded a answer, asking, "How are they still alive? I thought they were...".
"Slaughter? Yes, some were", He replied, "But others such as the children's, the wives, the elders. They were kept as slaves. And when I offer these Vikings for trade, they gave me some of them. I ask for more, but they refuse, so I cast them into a painting, giving what they desire most, immortality".
This revelation struck Brendan, as he turn to him and asked, "Wait, so your saying that painting over there is-"?
"Yes, I kept them as prisoner. To see if their mental state will survive the century changing. And as for how I kept your people alive, I gave each one of them a drink of the water. The water of immortality, which is the same one keeping me alive. Unfortunately, I am almost running out".
Brendan couldn't believe this. He cannot comprehend this.
"I can release them, Brendan", He replied, "I know how...fragile they are to you. Seeing these...friends and family once being a community to you are now my slaves to mine these precious ruby".
He turn to Brendan, who was still looking down at them, with a sense of regret.
A regret he refuse to acknowledge, but now had to.
"Do you see. This could be your chance to redeem yourself from this. I can sense it in you. A regret of leaving them behind for you and...another".
After a long dead silent, Brendan sigh and look up. He see him hold out his hand, waiting for a comply.
"Please, one more time. Will you help me?"
Brendan look back down and then look back to him, "If I...help you...you promise you'll release them?"
"I swore of it".
Back to Ryuko.
She was walking down some stone stairs. Figuring it may be a passage way out.
Her first thought was to get Brendan and the others, but her second thought seem to be investigating this first, as something about it is attracting her a bit.
"I should've bring Brendan and the others here", Ryuko said to herself, "In fact, why am I going down alone? Then again, I don't either of them hurt, wherever they are".
As she continue forward down and down, she realize it becoming dark.
Realizing she didn't bring any match, she was beginning to go back, until she finally made it to the bottom.
As soon as she look back to the stairs and back to her direction, she saw it.
It was very far away, but she could make it out to be a fox. A pure, white fox.
Perplex by it, she utter, "What the hell is that?"
She continue to approach it, as she can make it out clearer.
It has red, spiral, widget like pupils staring back at her.
They were oddly weird, as if they going to moving.
She felt a sense of urge to get out, feeling as if this creature is dangerous, but at the same time she can't get her eye off of it.
It just stare at her, not being cover by the dark surrounding.
She soon stopped in front of it.
It look up to her, still not blinking or showing any movement whatsoever.
"God, it remind me of Torrica", She thought, "But something about this one...doesn't seem right".
A long silent came.
They did not glance off at any moment.
Then, Ryuko sniff and wipe her nose, only to reveal blood.
She was bleeding, as for why she isn't sure. She kept wiping, until finally she look back at the creature.
The creature was grinning at her, showing it dark grin at her.
She knew there was something wrong, but she is unable to move.
All of sudden, she begin to feel dreary and collapse on the ground.
In a mist of danger, Hellboy awaken.
His hearing came back, but his vision is blurry.
He can feel as if he's being drag, tied up, and heading to some kind of light.
He blink twice and regain his vision.
Seeing the dark bricks ceiling, he look forward to see Genni dragging him to some of entrance.
"UHh...what...what going on here?" Hellboy try to get his attention, "Hey! What are you doing?"
"Please, forgive me", Genni replied, "I am simply doing my job".
"Listen here pal, I don't know what going on here, but you better explain to me why I"m tied up and being drag?"
"It is an order by Lustor. I shouldn't do this, but I must".
"Look little guy, I get it", Hellboy said, "You hate your job, so do I. However, if you want my advice, I think you should release me".
Finally, they made it.
It was the same mining balcony from earlier, only they came out from the other entrance facing the other one.
Genni then toss Hellboy down into the pit, where everyone pause and look at him, who loosen the rope from the fall.
"God damn, for a little guy he sure has a strong toss", Hellboy remark, as he look around and see everyone looking at him strangely.
Some like the children's hide behind their mother, father, and elders.
Some back away, and others use their pick axe as weapon, but too afraid to point at it.
All of them were scare of this odd one.
Hellboy treated this casual, but at the same feeling a bit pity as well, "Woah, these people seem pretty rough".
"Who..are you", The man name Leonardo asked him.
"The name is Hellboy", Hellboy said, "Agent of Bureau...uhhh...Bureau...".
They look at him, awkwardly, as Hellboy fail attempt to explain who he is.
So he shrugged it off, saying, "You know what, never mind. I'm just some guy who got caught up in this mess, and I'm not here to harm anyone".
"Ooooh thank goodness", The man name Square said, very relieved by that fact, "We were worry you were another overseer".
"Overseer?"
"Yes, a entity known as the Dullahan has been tormenting us for centuries", The man name Assoua explain.
"Oh yeah, I know that thing. It the headless guy, right?"
They all nodded.
"Good, well I got some good news and bad news".
"What the bad news?" Leonardo asked.
"Really? You guys seriously want the bad news first?"
Again, they all nodded.
"Ok, bad news I can't get any connection from my superiors, so we out of luck", Hellboy explain, "As for the good news, I have some helpers here that may save you guys".
"Oh, thank goodness", Leonardo sigh in relief, as everyone were murmuring about them being finally saved, "We going to be save".
Some being excited, while others remain very wary about this.
"Woah, woah, guys keep it down", Hellboy told everyone, as they went silent and listen, "We need to find a way out of here, first. Does anyone know of any secret passage or some kind of making of one?"
"No, actually", Leonardo replied, "We were too worried about Dullahan than escaping".
"Indeed", Assoua said, "But we do know is this hole is connected to a massive pool of water".
"Ok, so is that a good thing or-".
"No, one wall crack, then everything will be flooded", Square said, as everyone mummer by the high risk concern of being drown by the flood, "Without anything to climb back up, we'll all drown".
"Not to mention, there's a giant serpent, mechanical monster that lays behind these walls", Leonardo mention.
Even Hellboy understood and he didn't want these people to die, "Crud, this is going to be hard".
Meanwhile, Brendan is led to another room from the far end of the storage room.
There was one wooden door that led to a huge, dark mirror room.
In the center was the fountain, for Brendan and Lustor to begin their action.
Brendan look at the fountain.
The fountain itself has no interesting details or anything. It was simply a golden bowl on top of a white pillar.
He look and notice how clean the water is. How he can see through it, as it there's nothing there.
"I assure you, this will have no harmful affect on you", Lustor told him, "Shall we begin?"
"I...I'm a bit uncertain about this".
"Do not back down, boy", Lustor state, "It is too late for us to go back. Do you want your people to live or live in this endless torment? Do you want to know your friend secret? Your uncle whereabouts? It is up to you".
Brendan knew he can't go back. It was something that must be done.
Placing his hand into the water, but before he could do it, he was stopped by Lustor.
"No! Hover your hand over it", Lustor told him, "Do it".
Brendan did just that, not touching the water; Instead, having his one hand out hovering, as Lustor follow too.
"Now I must begin with the traditional word for this ritual".
"Just one question, why are you doing this?"
"To know where Namora is. To know what happen to her", He replied, "My solution is to search for which past that had her disappear, long ago. If I know, I will relish it, forever. And maybe, just maybe I could save her".
"I...see".
"Now then, we must commence", Lustor begins, speaking in backward language, "Ti ot maercs! tsap eht fo ecnesse yrev hte htruof gnirb, dne, trats, krad, thgil!"
The fountain begin to shook, as a giant light of bolt splash from the water up into the ceiling, where it begin to produce smoke and fog.
Lightings began to shoot and spring out of it, as Brendan and Lustor look on with huge awes at it.
Their hands remain still, as it stopped.
The water begin to spill more and more smoke, as lights being to illuminated from it, causing them to hear...voices...
Some having different voices and emotion coming out of it.
"I've got tours to do, songs to write and race to be in".
"You think your robot is so much better than reg?! He's got something your's doesn't; Heart!"
"THAT STUPID CHERIENG WAS THE ONLY ONE TO TRULY GIVE ME A CHALLENGE!"
"No, you don't understand! It's white magic!"
"Wha...what going on?" Brendan asked, "Is that...princess Peach?'
"It has already begun! The moment we been waiting for!" Lustor told him, "I hear it. All of it!"
"Clearly this host doesn't like our existence".
"Yo! This is ****** fire dawg!"
"I AM AN ANGURY SCIENTIST!"
"Not that you aren't all great. It's just, I don't like this game that much".
"These...voices...they all".
"Do not get distracted! Remain focus on what important here! I can...almost feel it".
Elsewhere, Eddy and Armin were still searching through a tunnel.
They were deep down in the castle.
So much so, they completely forgot where they are.
"Uhhh, do you where we are?" Eddy asked, hiding behind Armin.
"Of course...maybe?", Armin replied, even he wasn't sure.
"You know, I-I think we should head back", Eddy told him, "I am getting some unnerving feeling about this. Like something is gonna pop out and scare us to death at any moment".
"We'll be alright", Armin replied, "As long we remain on the same path we'll be fine".
"God, this is beginning to feel like a maze".
"Try think of something beside fear".
"All I could think of is gold, is that good enough?"
"I mean, I guess", Armin said.
"And maybe jawbreakers...you have try one right?"
"Uhhh, no, not really".
"Seriously? That's surprising".
"I live in a world of Titans. Why did you expect me like I tasted sweets before. I live behind a wall, for Pete sake".
"I know, I know, I just thought, since-"
Just as Eddy look behind and turn right back, he was slam into Armin back.
"Hey! Why did you-", Before Eddy could asked for the sudden pause, he look at him.
He see Armin in fear, frozen there as he look directly at it.
What Eddy saw made his bone chill.
There in front of them is the Headless horsemen. The Dullahan.
The horse snork, it hoofs press on the ground and scrapping, as the head with it long grin and pupils swarming begin to spoke, "My...My...what do we have here?...hehheheheh...a new blood for the many to feast?"
"Let me guess, run right?" Eddy mutter to Armin, who nodded.
The Dullahan begin to cackle a echoing laugh, as Armin and Eddy bolted out of there, as it begin to chase after them.
Back to Aqua.
She was walking back and fourth, wondering what to do as to not get into trouble.
"Oh god, Oh god, what am I suppose to do?" Aqua said to herself, "I could try lit it back again fully? Maybe this would go away, right? No, that would mean I have to go near it. Ugh, this is hard".
"Free me!" A voice startle her.
She look down to see the bottle, somehow speaking to her, "Free me! Free me now!"
"Free...you?"
"Yes! I have been imprison here for a foolish punishment", It said, "You must free me, now!"
"Uhh...I don't know...something about you doesn't seem right".
"Free me...and I'll grant you power. Far greater than what you have".
After some time of thinking about it, Aqua replied, "Ok, as you long you don't try to shock or anything".
Voices.
Deep darkness of voices.
She can hear it. All around her she can hear it.
"I don't care about people I've hurt. Truth be told I'd watch every one of you die-"
"YOU'VE HAD THIS COMING FOR A LONG TIME YOU BLOOD SUCKING BASTARD!"
"KATAKURI! NO!"
"I still can't tell you now, but I'm warning you that you might just find out before long".
As Ryuko woke, her vision was still remaining blurry.
But she see something in the distance.
Something familiar.
It was Brendan and Lustor, using their hand to see for what he desire.
The cold gush of fog spread throughout the room.
Ryuko got up and without thinking of how she got there and what they're doing, she shout out Brendan name.
She knew something isn't right, so she called him out, "Brendan!"
This caught Brendan attention, as he can hear her voice.
"Brendan!"
"Ryuko", He mutter".
"No! Do not hear it! Continue further!" Lustor told him.
"Brendan, get out of there now!" Ryuko shouted.
"I can't! I...I have to do this..."
"Ignore her. Focus!" Lustor shouted.
"Don't listen to that creep!" Ryuko shouted, "Come me with me, so we could get out of here".
"But...I can see our past", Brendan replied, looking at the fountain, seeing the vision behold to him, "I can see...everything".
"Yes..yes, I can see it", Lustor said, showing a level of joyful to see her again, see the past of her, "I can see...Namora!"
"Listen to me, whatever you trying to do, it not worth it", Ryuko reach out her hand to him, trying to pull him out of there, "Trust me!"
"I...yes, there she is...she's...free!" Lustor utter.
"Wait! I think...I think I'm seeing something else here", Brendan comment, "There seem to be...a boy".
"A boy?" Ryuko asked.
"I...I can see him...and a girl...and the stones..."
"And what?"
"I...see a...ring?"
"I...see it too!" Lustor said, going from a glimpse of joy to anger, as their vision suddenly changes, "I...SEE IT!"
As to what? Ryuko doesn't know. These voices alone seems to indicate they saw something they didn't expect to see before. Possibly the future.
Suddenly, the vision ritual was over as the fountain exploded. The light flashing everyone, with Lustor and Brendan falling on the ground.
After the light and fog is clear, Ryuko see Brendan on the ground and unconscious.
"Brendan!" She called out, as she head to his aid.
Lustor remain on the ground.
He was shock about what he saw. His pupil shrunken with the baffle mind of the vision alone.
He mutter to himself, unable to come up with any words, "Namora...she's..."
"Brendan, Brendan! Wake up! Please!" Ryuko shook Brendan, trying to see if he's alright.
She check his heart beat, and it seems to be doing alright.
Then Brendan eye begin to move and open, as he see her right by her side, "Ryuko.."
"Kid, it going to be alright", Ryuko said, hugging him, "Thank goodness your still alright".
"Ryuko, I...I saw something you couldn't believe".
"We'll talk about this later", Ryuko said, as she turn to face Lustor, "Right now, I want to have a little chat with..."
However, Lustor has disappear, assuming he's heading back to his room.
"Crap, he's escaping", Ryuko then said to Brendan, "Stay here, Brendan. I'm going to go confront this a**hole once and for all".
"Ryuko, wait".
"Huh?" She pause, before she got up and go.
She look at him. He has a expression of deep thought, one who cannot comprehend what just happen.
"I...I need to speak about this, now".
"Brendan, couldn't you just wait until-"
"No! No...no, I need to speak with you", Brendan said, "It what I saw".
"Brendan, you don't have to tell me".
'I have to. It...important", Brendan told her, "I saw...a boy wielding what seem to be the stone we got, only with all it pieces. There's also a...girl and...a ring".
"Ring?"
"Yeah, There's also others. There's a man dress with a cape and helmet, a woman, a metal figure. And...and the ring is transforming the boy into..."
"Brendan, calm down".
Brendan sigh, "I'm sorry, I..I just...I didn't want to do this, Ryuko. I had no choice. I have to save my friends, if it means-"
"Kid, it okay", Ryuko told him, "I don't care what you saw. As long as your still breathing, then that what matter most".
Brendan look down, feeling a sense of shame in him. As if seeing all that made him sick in the stomach for even doing it in the first place.
"Brendan, listen it not your fault for...doing...something like this", Ryuko told him, "Don't blame yourself for trying to help, okay?"
Brendan nodded.
Ryuko then got up, looking at the exist as she told him, "I'm going to meet with that bastard, so I can kick his a**. Just wait here, alright?"
But before she leave the room, she was stopped by Brendan, "Wait!"
She turn, awaiting for a response.
He replied with a simple asking, "Be careful, ok?"
She knows what he meant and nodded, then she ran out of the room to confront Lustor.
Meanwhile, Eddy and Armin are still screaming and running from the Dullahan itself, chasing them down through the endless, dark tunnel.
It cackle the echoing laughter more and more, using it bone spine as a whipping tool.
"Armin, do you have anything that could, I don't know, stop that thing?!" Eddy asked him.
"What? You think I have some knowledge on how to defeat a supernatural entity like that?!"
"I was just asking!"
Eddy ran up front by his extreme speed, based off his fear of course.
And as he ran and ran, suddenly he fell into a random hole, which appear out of nowhere and then resume back being a brick floor.
Armin stopped, looking around to see where Eddy, "Eddy? Eddy?! Where are you?!"
But before he could think further, he resume running after hearing the laughter of the Dullahan itself.
Eddy scream, sliding down as he swirl up and down, loop through, and then ejected out onto something rough.
He groan and lifted his head up, "I think I landed on something hard".
"That would be me, kid".
Eddy look down to see Hellboy, as well as many other folks who look at him strangely.
"Hellguy!" Eddy was relieved, as he quickly hug the big guy, while he was getting up, "Oh thank goodness! I'm save!"
"Kid, the name is Hellboy", Hellboy pick Eddy off from him and drop him down, "Now explain to me how you got here?"
"Uhhh excuse me, who is this little boy?" Leonardo asked them.
"The names Eddy", He introduce himself.
"Eddy, what a odd name that is", Square remark, as everyone mummer about it.
"Yes, it seems quite odd for a child to be name something like that", Assoua added, which left Eddy completely disbelief.
"Ok guys, quit it", Hellboy told everyone, as they quite down and listen to what Eddy have to say, "Now tell me, what happen?"
"Alright, so what happen is me and Armin took the right route, correct? Well as we were just searching through everything we encounter a tiny, little problem. the DULLAHAN!"
Everyone gasp, except Hellboy.
"Dullahan, huh?"
"Did...did it hurt you, young child", Leonardo asked him.
"Oh it did hurt me alright", Eddy replied, "After I literally have to run for my dear life! And by the way, I think I need to change underwear after this!"
"Cool it, kid", Hellboy told him, "Now listen, I don't know how we going to handle that thing, but right now we to figure a way out of here".
"But...but there's no way out", Leonardo said, "We stuck here like...like...I forgot what I was going to say".
"Like a fish?" Square asked.
"No! It...uhhhh...you know, just forget it".
"Is it a goose?", Assoua assume, "Because I seem to recall you always compare this to a goo-"
"I say forget it!"
As Hellboy look around the surrounding, he notice the pile of ruby.
Then it struck him with a brilliant idea, "Hey, I think I got an idea".
"Really?" Eddy asked.
"Yeah, it going to be risky, but I think it may work".
The storm has arrive.
The night scare became dark gray, as the window blow and the rain begin the fall.
The fireplace remain lighting.
AS for Lustor himself, he took one deep breath on the balcony, as Genni appear near the door, awaiting for further instruction.
Instead of the usual replied of an order, he spoke, which struck his servent odd, "Tell me, is this the role I will take. A desire to...avenge my dearest wife?"
"I...cannot answer", Genni replied.
"I understand", He said, "Tell the Dullahan to dispose the slaves and everything here as well. I wish to move on, once this is over. Once everything is complete. I want it to be calm...and less damaging.
There was no response from Genni, just silent.
This infuriate him quickly, "Well?! I order you to go! Now leave!"
"Master?"
"Leave me be!"
Genni did just that and walk out of the room.
After it left, Lustor was left alone, pondering over if this will be role he will be taking up or not. He has doubts. Deep doubts. But his mind was telling him to keep the responsible he had made.
One that made him what he is now, even if it means inflicting the harm onto more of himself and everyone around him.
Then, he hear it. A footstep and the sound of a blade.
He heard her voice, "Hey d*ck face! Turn around and face me!"
He did just that, looking at her as Ryuko position herself.
Ready to stab him through his heart and showing a harsh scowl.
She didn't care if the man himself was harmless, he was forcing Brendan to do something that didn't sit well for the both of them.
"Ryuko, how...pleasantly you arrive".
"Cut the sh*t talk, I'm going to kick your a**", Ryuko told him, "After what you did to Brendan there's no way I'll let you leave here alive".
"You seem to lack understanding, child. Furthermore, there is no need to cover up your act, friend. How pitiful".
"Gggrr, don't make me f**king more piss off, pal. Believe me, I'll kill you".
"Yes...yes you would", He said, as he enter the room, "But what will happen then? Killing me would not be good in the destiny you had follow".
"Destiny?"
He begin to look at his fireplace, with Ryuko remaining cautious.
However, she was confuse by what he meant by that.
"I foresaw what I need from the fountain itself", He begin, "I saw...her...Namora...in-prison and free,...then in-prison again by a foolish card dueler and his pet. Lammy, that was her name. They took it from me! And I will not stand by it!"
"Listen jacka**, I don't give a single damn about your girlfriend, okay?"
"You may not care! You may not be fond with it, but I do!", Lustor told her, "I thought it was over, right there and then. Just then, I saw something else from the fountain. I saw you, Torrica, and the realm itself".
This struck her, but at the same time, she remain very cautious.
"You were given a task. One with a significant role for someone else to play. someone you do not know, yet".
"I...I don't understand. What are you talking about?"
A long silent took over.
He breath heavily, then glare at her and spoke, "I saw your role. I saw the importance of it. I see it now. You are the key of all this. Part of the key. You will be the cause of...her downfall again".
Ryuko wasn't sure what to think. She can only hold out her blade for anything that will go down, as he pointed at her slowly.
"You...have the stone...the Soul Stone...".
"Stay back!"
He stopped, as she is pointing her blade at him.
It didn't phased him very much, only it cause him to step away a little near his bed.
"Do you desire to know more. Do you?"
She didn't response, only looking at him with a serious look.
"In the time before time. In century before life. I saw when the Soul Stone is made, and what power it posses. A soul...with will power. A will power that none shall have it, not even me. Do you understand, you are simply a driving force for the future. A future with you and the others to domain. I cannot allow this".
"Will power?"
"Ah, yes that is it. You do not know yet what it is, but soon you will figure it out", He said, "If you...survive".
Ryuko stood there. She wonder what he meant by that.
But before she could think further, she notice Lustor slipping his hand underneath the blankets.
All of a sudden, he pulled out a sword and charge right at her, with their blade lock in action.
She struggle to push it back, but Lustor manage to gain the upper hand and try to push her down.
Ryuko then resort to kicking him off, as he was kick off on the ground where Ryuko took the chance to leave and close the door.
There, she took a near by the chair and put it up on the door knob, preventing the Alchemist to open.
He violently slam and kick it, kncoking it as he yelled, "You will never leave here alive! My power is dwindling, so does my prisoners who are now seeking for blood!"
Ryuko back away from the door, "This is insane. I gotta go get Brendan and the others".
As she was backing, she stopped after feeling a force behind her.
She turn to see a huge viking.
He was tall, wearing msotly fur, black cape and a helmet, with long horns.
It white eyes stare down her, breathing heavily and having a long, white beard.
Her response was, "Ah sh*t".
As the viking figure wield out his sword and swing it down at her.
She dodge it, backing away from him, as it slowly swing it sword out from the floor and begin to approach her with a slower pace.
"You hear that grunt?!" Lustor taunted, as he continue to break the door down, "That is the last thing you'll hear by the Chief, Northan Viking himself!"
Back to Armin situation.
Armin stopped and took a huge, huge, huge deep breath from all that running.
"I think...I lost him", Armin said, as he recollect himself for a bit, "Now I gotta search for Eddy. Who knows where he went".
He walk through the tunnel and look around.
As he was looking, he spotted something on the left side.
A wooden door.
Figuring that Eddy may be hiding there, he head to it and open the door to reveal Aqua, struggling to open the bottle lid.
Confuse and a little startle, Armin demanded, "What the? What are you doing in here?"
"Free me...free me! I can sense my freedom already!" The voice speak louder.
"Was that bottle...speaking".
"I don't have time to discuss here, I need to open this crummy thing!" Aqua shouted.
With more and more pulling, she manage to open the bottle, releasing a powerful light energy coming out of it.
They cover themselves from the flashing light, as after the light dwindle away, it finally reveal who behind the voice.
"Yes...I AM FREE! FREE! FREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"
Who with it evil tone.
It darkest desire.
It hight, menacing intelligent.
They were...surprise by this revelation.
It is...a worm, with a small radio set attach to it.
"Yes, free at last!" He said, "No longer am I stuck in this internal prison. Now I am free!"
"What the heck are you?" Aqua asked, a little disappointed, as she was expecting a more powerful entity. Not like this.
"Who? Me? I am Mister Mind. The most intelligent and powerful being in the universe!"
After his introduction, Aqua burst out in laughter by the mere ridiculous of this thing.
Mister Mind was...baffle by this response.
He feel...offended, "What are you laughing about? Stop it!"
She continue to laugh more and more".
"Will you knock it off!"
"Should I...be here?" Armin asked himself.
Back to Eddy and Hellboy.
"Come on, people! Move it!" Hellboy yelled, "We gotta keep going, before the Dullahan guy comes back".
Everyone was mining and producing more and more pebbles and rock to pile up to create a bridge for them to walk on and get onto the balcony.
Some like the children's gather pebbles, others with hands scrape the ground for more rocks and minerals.
The pile was still short, as Hellboy remark, "Damn, it not enough".
"I told you", Leonardo said, "It not going to work. The rocks are too fragile to be even use".
"We gotta try".
Just as things were going normally, the Dullahan and Genni appear on the balcony, which cause everything to pause.
They look up to see them.
Everyone were caught red handily and were scare to know the outcome of this.
"Ah crap", Hellboy utter, as Eddy quickly hide behind him.
"Well now, look what we have here", Dullahan remark, "A attempt of...essssscaping, I see? Hmmm? It won't matter. You have all fullfill your duty. Now it is time for your freedom".
"Freedom? What does he mean by that", One of the man asked the other person, as everyone mummer what it meant.
"No idea", The other man replied.
"Are we finally going to get freedom?" A wife asked the husband, along with the children's.
Some were excited, while others remain skeptical.
This was short live as the Dullahan begin to chuckle a huge laughter.
"I don't like this", Hellboy mutter to himself.
"Push the button, Genni!" Dullahan order Genni, "Release them".
The order is not comply to Genni, who look down to the face of the people, seeing their fear and worry, and showing amount of shame to itself.
"Well, go on. Push the button".
After looking back at the button in silent, Genni finally responded, "No...".
"No?"
"No...I..do not comply with disposing life, sir".
"Are you denying the request of your master?"
Genni did not respond, which made the Dullahan laugh.
It grab the remote button and said, "Fine! I'll do it myself!"
After pushing the button, it release a wave of water from both side of the cavern.
Everyone begin to panic, as the wave splash onto them, filling the ground with more and more water.
Some clench onto one another, others climb onto the rock walls as a attempt to not get caught up by this.
"Hold on, everyone!" Hellboy shouted, as he hold onto the pile, "Hold on!"
Things get worst, when suddenly a long head of a mechanical serpent sprung out from he ground. There were two of them, readhy to snatch them, as the people scream for their dear life, with Eddy quickly hiding behind Hellboy.
And as for Hellboy himself, he utter, "Great, more monster to deal with. This day couldn't possibly get any worst".
Back to Ryuko.
She was still dealing with the Viking, who swung his sword to her several time.
But each time it did, she avoid it by moving quickly or jumping out of reach from him.
She use her blade to try to penetrate him, only to be kick by him.
She remain fully balance and ready, as she huff from all the dodging and attack she got from it.
"Does this guy ever take a break?" She asked herself, as she trip on the floor.
This leave the Chief to wield his sword up high and swing it down.
Before she could meet a painless demise, the Chief stopped and then collapse on the floor.
It was Brendan, using a near by lamp to knock him out.
"Brendan!" Ryuko got up and hug the boy, as he hug back too.
"Ryuko, I came as soon as possible", He replied, looking up at her.
"Well thank god you arrive", Ryuko said, "I would've almost gotten kill right there".
"Glad you weren't", Brendan replied, "I don't any more of my friends to die. Not you, not them".
As they have a heartfelt moment, the door from the Alchemist finally broke down.
The sword was swung, breaking the wood and allowing Lustor to appear.
He hold out his sword, growling at them, as Brendan hide behind Ryuko who hold out her blade at him.
Slowly walking to her, he said, "So this is where your role will end, my young. The day when Namora will live on, once I rid of both of you".
"Your insane".
"Am I?!" He swing his sword to the right wall.
It stuck, but was quickly pull out.
His anger and delusional mindset is shown, as he begin to chuckle, "Heheheheh, it funny, is it not? That your demise came because of your host alone. He is the cause for all this, not you, nor I".
"What are you babbling you about?" Ryuko shouted, "Are you insane?!"
"Ha! Insanity, I'll admit! Without him, there will be no way Namora would've end up here", Lustor state, "Still in her prison, trap forever. While I suffer more and more into a mere zombie for life and death to not accept me! It is your host who is to blame. Not only him, but many as well".
As they back away from him, Brendan took notice by the painting of rabbits shaking.
He realize that since most of these are connected to his power, Brendan came to the conclusion that there is one way out of this.
And that is, fully releasing them.
He whisper to Ryuko, "Ryuko, I find a way we can get out of this situation".
"Ok, but you better tell me quick", She replied, as Brendan whisper something near her ear.
Something that sounds insane and dangerous, but at the same time it could work.
"Your final days has been commence!" Lustor shouted.
"Hey a**hole! If you want a clean, swift death", Ryuko taunt, as she move near the right side where most of the paintings of rabbits were, "You better show it to me".
Hr growl and swing the sword, only for her to dodge it.
The sword made contact with the paintings, as they begin to shook more and more rapidly, making Lustor stop and realize what he just did, "No..no! What did I done".
"Should've remember that, pal", Ryuko told him, backing away from the wall as it shook, with thousands of more paintings shaking and shaking, each containing the giant, black rabbit.
Then a miracle has happen. Thousands of thousand of giant, black rabbits sprung out from the paintings.
Ryuko push Brendan back on the wall, as Lustor fell and was being tremble on by the fast, moving hop of a giant rabbit.
Flows of them hop out one by one, as they hop through every room from the storage room to the tunnels and dungeons below.
Meanwhile, many of the slaves, Eddy, and Hellboy clench onto the pile, as Genni look on with nothing else to do watch their demise.
Hellboy continue to shoot at the serpents, which did nothing.
One it was going to eat a child, if not for Hellboy to hit it through it jaw line.
Dullahan begin to laugh much louder.
"This is it! We are going to die here!" Eddy exclaim.
"Not quite!" Hellboy pointed, "Look!"
All of a sudden, a wave of giants rabbits arrive, not just down in the pit, but as well as the balcony, as the Dullahan and Genni turn to their right to see rabbits passing to them.
Dullahan was pull off by them.
The mechanical serpents were crush by them.
Genni hop onto one of them and safely rode off.
The balcony begin to fall, allowing everyone chance to climb onto it and escape.
"Now's our chance!" Hellboy shouted, picking two children up, "Let's go, people!"
Elsewhere.
Aqua was still laughing, slamming her fist on the ground as Mister Mind waited for her to stop, including Armin.
"Are you done yet?" Mister Mind asked.
"Ok...ok..I'm stopping", Aqua replied, trying to control herself.
"Good", Mister Mind resume, "Now that I am free from my prison! I can now sought out the-wait a minute, does any feel a sudden vibration?"
Indeed, they felt one, as suddenly dozens of giant rabbit break through the wall and from the ground, which startle everyone in the room.
Tons and tons of rabbits storm out of the castle.
The storm was still brooding, as the wind became more violent and the rain begin to turn into a huge shower.
The slaves attach onto the many rabbits and are now outside of the island, with Eddy too shaken to be release.
And when he did, he fell flat down onto the ground, as the others look at him.
"I'm okay".
Everyone were safe, some being overjoyed by the fact they free.
Except for a few.
"I wonder if the Hell man is alright", Square wonder.
"He's probably still in there", Leonardo added, looking very concern over their new friend.
"Come on, I'm sure they'll be fine", Eddy assure them.
"How would you know?"
"Pfff, we been through worst. I'm sure this isn't half bad".
Right on cue, a huge explosion erupted from the bottom level of the castle.
Soon, they all turn and look on to see the castle blaze in flames, as more and more of the architecture collapse and fall.
They can only watch with horror, knowing there are a few people still stuck in there.
Brendan awoke in a dizzy and dreary state.
He could barely see, nor hear.
All he can see is a blurry scene. Red, orange, and black.
But with all that, he can feel the coldness from the rain drip.
As soon as he regain his senses, he can hear a voice calling out for him, "Brendan! Brendan, help!"
Getting up and scratching his head, he lifted his head up to see Ryuko, hanging off the wooden board as she is clinging onto the wood from the fire, hellish bottom.
"Ryuko!" Wasting no time, Brendan ran to her and grab her hand.
Her only hand, as her other one was still clenching onto the scissor blade.
Brendan pulled with all his strength.
He kept doing it, while also trying to remain balance from the slippery floor.
Just then as Brendan was almost lifting her up, a laughter can be heard.
And as Brendan turn around to his right, he saw him.
Lustor, bleeding out and having the machine attach on him being in severe damage and not functional.
The Cosmic Alchemist finally had gone insane, laughing menacingly and still wielding his sword.
He swing the sword on him, but Brendan quickly dodge it.
Lustor then has a severe heart attack, causing him to collapse.
However this didn't stop him, as he continue to get up and laugh it off.
He then hold up his sword. His ripple cape waving and his hair bleeding droplets of blood, as he proclaim to himself, "HAHAHAHA! I WILL CHANGE THE FUTURE FOR NAMORAAAAAAAA!"
Before he could strike down onto his victims, he saw something in the distance alone.
That being, a white fox who was grinning at him.
Before he could comprehend what he saw as he shudder by the sight of it and knew what it is, his arm begin to burst into flames.
Then it proceed to infect his entire body, causing him to be burn alive in agony.
"No! Nooooooo! AAARRRRAAAAGGGGGGGGAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" He scream and panic, as his eyes were burn out, causing him to run to the balcony, where he plunder down into the sea screaming, along with the fall of his once balcony from the castle.
Brendan was left there stunned, but it didn't last long as he resume back to helping Ryuko up, "Come on, Ryuko. Hold on!"
His balance attempt soon failed, as he and Ryuko both fall, screaming.
Just in the nick of time, instead of falling to their fire demise they landed on something soft.
The rabbits, all of them. They came to their rescue and save their fall.
Both Ryuko and Brendan look each other with relieved.
With things seemingly like it over, suddenly another laughter can be heard.
They turn to see it.
The Dullahan, chasing right after them with it bone spines, ready to attack, "I demand your soul for repayment!"
"Here's your repayment!" Hellboy jump out of the rubble and uses his hard fist to smash the headless man off his horse, with his head roll down.
The horse began to turn back and charge right at him, as Hellboy pulled out his gun and shot it dead.
After it collapse on the ground, Hellboy then approach the head itself, still laughing as if it didn't faze him to the slightest bit.
"You are a fool! No matter if you kill me, I always live on by the human belief itself!"
"Here's a extra raise, pal", He then aim his gun at it, ready to pull the trigger.
Not before it gave out the last laugh, "Soon someone soul will be taken. Soon!"
And just like that, BANG! The head was no more, so too as the body.
Hellboy stand there.
He took out a cigar and lit a match. He then light it, feeling the flavor, and puffing it out as the rabbits approach him, along with Ryuko and Brendan.
"Is he...gone?" Brendan asked Hellboy.
"I dealt with supernatural before", He replied, "They always return, only more piss off".
"Sheesh".
"Yeah, and if your wondering I came loaded with golden bullets, in case if we encounter something like this".
They stood there, looking at the ground where the head was as Ryuko and Brendan ponder over what happen from their experience of this castle.
A long silent is spent throughout the night, as the fire begin to fade away and the storm soon became entirely a shower rain.
In the morning, the rain has disappear.
The sun arose. There was no longer fog. The forest appear lush green and filled with life.
The water became blue and the sand became the very color of what it meant to be.
The castle which once stood there was now in ruin, as the giant rabbits now claim this land as their own.
Aqua arose from the pile of remains, gasping air as if she was stuck there forever, "Ugh, that was the most horrifying experience I have ever dealt with!"
Armin arose, this time he simply yawn and asked, "Is it morning already?"
As he and Aqua were getting up, they look around their surrounding and see that everything seem to change.
No longer was it eerie.
Now everything was green and blue.
"Whoa, everything seem so...life like", Armin remark, then getting push by a giant rabbit, who seem to want a petting.
Armin did just that and seem to chuckle a little, "Heheh, hey this one seem pretty cute".
Aqua was a little annoyed by the amount of rabbits in the surrounding and said, "I'm going to go to shore".
As she head off, Brendan, Ryuko, and Hellboy meet up with the others.
The brothers of Kells were so happy to see Brendan, including what left of the community.
"Ah Brendan!" Leonardo hug him, "Oh how grateful to see your face again. It been so long".
The other two brothers also join in, as well.
"Uhhh, heh, yeah...uhhh, need some space a little", Brendan told them.
"Ih, well yes...sorry", Leonardo said, as they release him, "So where have you been, lad? Was Aiden with you?"
"It a long story", Brendan scratch his head, needing to explain everything that happen so far.
"You know, for these guys to live so long", Hellboy remark to Ryuko, "I"m surprise their mental state is still intact".
"Yeah, tell me about it", Ryuko agree.
"I'm just glad your fine, boy", Assuo said, hitting him on the back and laughing.
"Heh, yeah", Brendan simply reply, "Well...I'm just relief you and all of you are still alive. Oh, and also..."
Brendan then gesture their attention to Ryuko, "I want to introduce you guys to my new friend, Ryuko".
"Uhhh...hi", She wave at them, awkwardly.
They were...surprise by Brendan new friend, as if based off her appearance alone they didn't expect Brendan to make friends with someone like her".
"Ohhh...that's your friend, Brendan?" Leonardo asked Brendan, pointing at her.
"Uhh yeah", He replied, casually.
"I'm actually a little shock by it", Square comment.
"What, is there something you don't like?" Ryuko asked them.
"No, no, not at all", Assuoa replied, "It just...you know, with Brendan kind nature and your...uhhh...how can I say it without sounding rude".
"A little rough, I think?" Square said.
"Yeah, yeah, something like that".
A long awkward silent came through, after that odd comment.
She then whisper to Brendan, "Brendan, no offense but I think your friends here are kinda huge d*cks".
"What? No".
Suddenly, Hellboy got a beeping sound from his phone.
He pulled it out and answer it, "Hello?...ok...yeah, I'm off the coast of Ireland...ok...alright, bye".
"What was that?" Ryuko asked him.
"That would be my superiors. They said they coming here to pick me and solve this weird situation", Hellboy said to them, "It was...nice meeting with you guys, anyways".
"Yeah, it was nice meeting with you too", Ryuko replied, as they both shook their hand.
Brendan notice Genni riding on a rabbit, looking off the shore.
He felt a bit bad losing someone like Lustor. He wonder if he show any remorse.
Brendan approach it, as Genni notice him.
"Hi, how you doing?"
Genni replied, "Fine...doing fine".
"Hey, uhhh..sorry about losing your...master, Genni".
"It fine. I wish he would've find help before all this", Genni said, "Now that he's gone, I am now free to roam this area".
"Oh, well..."
"I bid you well, child. Now I must scavenge my legos and leave with the rabbits".
"Umm..ok".
"Guys! Guys!" In the distance, Aqua waved her hand, calling out to them, "I think I can see Chris submarine approaching!"
Indeed, the submarine has arrive near shore.
Chris came out, looking around his surrounding and being most surprise by the sight of it.
The castle was no more, there were dozens and dozens of giant rabbits roaming the area, and a bunch of weirdos looking down at him from the cliffs, with confuse and intrigue expression, due to many never seeing a submarine before, nor a modern dress person like Chris McLean.
"Ok, did I miss something or what?" Before Chris could question all about it further, he see his cast such as Ryuko, Brendan, Armin, and Aqua approaching to him, "There you guys are. Congrats on making through three nights. So how was it?"
"Uhhhh..." Before Brendan could reply, he is cut off by Chris.
"Great, that's good to hear", Chris said, "Now I got some unfortunate news. Due to me having not seen what happen, while I was away I am unable to check my drone recording, which I could check, but I'm too lazy to do so".
"Figures", Ryuko replied.
"So since there seem to be no loser or winner, and since the producers want to speed this baby up, instead of votes I'll allow you guys to think for a moment if you want to continue move forward with the show".
"Wait a minute, you allowing us to decide wether we want to stay or not?" Aqua asked him.
"Yep".
"Sweet! I'm totally staying!"
"What about the rest of you?" Chris asked the others, "Want to continue with the game?"
"Well..." Armin was a little hesitate, but after what he's been through he decided to not let everything go to waste and agree to stay, "Honestly, after what I just experience I would rather keep going".
"Good, how about you two? Still in it?"
Brendan look up to Ryuko. He see her smiling to him, waiting for a expected respond.
"Well, gotta keep going, right?" Ryuko asked.
He wanted to agree. He wanted to say yes. But deep down, he felt something.
Instead of complying, he replied, "No..."
This baffle her, "What?"
Including the others as well.
"Oh, uhhh...seriously?" Chris asked.
"I'm...I'm not continuing, I'm sorry", Brendan replied.
"Brendan, what are you saying?" Ryuko asked, "Come on, stop joking around, alright. We can still do this".
"Ryuko, enough", Brendan replied, "I'm done, alright. Finish".
"I...I don't understand", Ryuko asked him, "Why are you quitting now? I thought you say we will always stick together no matter what",.
"I know! I just...I can't continue with this, not after what I experience".
"Brendan, don't say that!", Ryuko said, "What you probably saw wasn't half bad what we endure, Brendan. It probably nothing anyways".
"It not about that, Ryuko", Brendan replied, "Look I wanted to continue. I really do. However, even what we gone through, even if I want to keep going...I knew it won't matter for me later on".
"What are you saying?"
"Ryuko, I know and you know there's a significant role you going to play, and I figure that with me around, it won't do any good but cause more trouble between us".
"Who cares if that true. I need you!"
"Ryuko please, you have to understand".
Ryuko didn't want him to leave. He was the only one who truly help her out the most, and the only the friend who remain by her side during the merge.
Without him, she'll be alone.
She even almost going cry, not wanting to lose him.
But Brendan, assure her by saying, "Ryuko...I want you to continue on without me. I'll be fine, no matter if you aren't around or not. I want you to win this".
"Brendan, I..."
"Please Ryuko.."
After a moment of silent between the both of them, she finally understood and realize what his reasoning behind this.
She hated it. Even Brendan doesn't like it.
However, this was the hardest decison to be made, and the only solution.
So she replied and nodded, "Alright...if that what you want, then...I'm cool with it".
"Really?"
She nodded and proceed to hug him.
Armin stood there, feeling a inch sadness, and Chris commented, feeling some emotion from this, despite his sadistic personality, "Wow, I think I'm gonna cry, dude".
Aqua didn't seem to care much, "Pfff, whatever. That means less loser to deal with".
After a hug, Brendan head back to his people, leaving Ryuko alone.
Now it just her, with her shirt, her blade, and the three stones.
She walk back to the others, with Armin comforting her, "Hey Ryuko, sorry about your...friend departing. I know how it feels".
"It alright", She replied, "I'm sure once this is all over, we'll meet again".
"As if there's going to be a chance", Aqua said, "Which I highly doubt".
Just when things seem calm, Ryuko punches her in the face.
"OW! What the hell?!" Aqua asked.
"That's for ruining the mood, b*tch!"
"Well I see you still maintain your temper issue after that emotional scene", Chris remark, as he was then kick by Ryuko in the crotch, "Ow! My kiwi!"
"And that's for putting us through that hell hole!"
Chris manage to recover from that very fast, as he got up and shrugged it off, "Whatever. Has anyone seen Eddy?"
"Right here!" Eddy call out, as he is seen dragging what appear to be tons of stuff shove into Eddy pockets.
They were huge, heavy, and very hard to move, which is why it took Eddy a hard time to drag it on shore.
"Uhhh Eddy, what are you-"
"For your information, I just pick up a few things to bring along the trip", Eddy said, "Now let's get going!"
Eddy pants were then rip out, as it spill tons and tons of the Cosmic Alchemist antiques onto shore. There were many of it.
Armin simply facepalm, sighing with pure disappointed by his friend, "Seriously?"
"What? He's dead already. I don't see the problem taking a few things".
"Eddy, that's very rude and also, I'm pretty sure those aren't a few things".
"Yeah, like how are you even manage to shove everything in your pocket, kid?" Ryuko commented.
"It call cartoon logic! And first of all, the guy was a creep. I see no issue taking a few things from him".
"That still isn't right, Eddy", Armin said.
"Well it not my fault we have to go through all that without a reward".
They begint to argue one another, as Chris wrap up this season, "Well, it seem's we finally reach the final four contestant. Only a few more, folks until this entire show is over. Who will be the final two".
Aqua tip to and sneakingly bend down to steal a few antiques, as Eddy and Armin continue to argue.
"and who will be win for the grand prize? Find out next time on TOTAL! DRAMA! CRUISE!"
Later that night.
Aqua head to her cabin, where she took a loud yawn and was tuck in bed.
"Final four", Aqua told herself, "Finally! I didn't think I"ll even made it this far. I hope the next round is easy. If I can beat Ryuko, then I'll win! Screw everyone who hold doubts I wouldn't win"
As she turn off the light and went to sleep, a voice is speaking.
A voice coming from her hair, as it reveal to be Mister Mind, who survive and was hiding underneath her hair, "Yes blue one, sleep for I have survive. And I have some intriguing plans for you".
To be continue.
Well...that was dark, heavy, and kinda...grim.
In all seriousness, I always wanted to do something different like this. It is out of the norm for Total Drama, but I did have fun writing this, especially Lustor.
It sad Brendan has to go, but oh well there's nothing we could do about it.
Now then, it seems we have finally reach near the end. Only four chapters to go, folks until we get to the finale.
I congrats to everyone who made it this far.
So far, we gone from simple challenges like the waking something, the cooking challenge, and the resisting challenge to life dangerous situation like fighting the Lunataks, battling Cobra, and facing a huge fanfic multiverse.
Now then, as for what will happen in the next chapter, I have a special three parter plan for the next three chapters. I won't spoiler what it is, but basically Chris, decided to celebrate the final four by summoning Beetlejuice. However things didn't go so well, and well...let just say, if anyone seen the movie Hangover you know exactly what going to happen next because oh man, there's a lot of unexpected turn".
But anyways, stay tune. If anyone want to submit new ideas for next season, PM me. And if anyone didn't get a chance to submit a character to compete for next season, send it through review or PM me, as I'm cool with adding a few more.
Also, make sure to vote the poll for your favorite character that you want to see return.
Anyways, this is 1602jaw signing off.
