"Well, I must say, that was very brave of you to share your story with Adenela like that, Mirror Match." Ariadoa said as the group sans Seiya was hanging out at her house.

"I thank you for the compliment, but I must admit, it wasn't so much as bravery as it was desperation." Mirror Match admitted.

"Don't worry. Adeniela, despite her looks, is still a goddess. She knows better than to take human lives." Ariadoa assured. "And even if you didn't stop her, Seiya would have handled it all by himself."

"Yeah, knowing him he'd probably turn on the charm to win Adenela back over." Ethox said.

"I am more impressed with how you've helped Ethox, Mash and Elulu yourself, Aria." Mirror Match said. "Releasing hidden powers within them to teach them new skills. Mash with his Partial Dragon transformation… and young Elulu finally having magic she has an affinity to. Support Magic."

"Yes. Because of her desire to help Seiya, her potential blossomed in the form of the spells Delay and Haste. I'm sure they'll come in handy. But I was most impressed with how much Ethox was holding back inside him." Ariadoa said.

"Yeah, you wouldn't believe it. Thanks to Aria, I was able to unlock a boatload of new abilities. It was like a spiritual journey inside my body. I learned so much." Ethox said.

"Oh? What was hidden inside?" RIstarte asked.

"Well, I finally got the 'created from the twelve' part figured out." Ethox explained. "It turns out, my Keyblade powers are the complete opposite of Theos. He's based on the Western Zodiac Constellations, and me? I draw powers from the Eastern Zodiac. Specifically, the 12 Chinese Animal signs. Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Boar. I can use all of them except for Dragon now, but as time goes on, I should be able to. And that's not even getting into the other thing."

"What other thing?" Mirror asked.

"Well, during that journey, there was… some sort of locked door. I tried using my Keyblade to unlock it, but the voice I've been hearing said I would only unlock that door when the time was right. I have no idea what it meant by that, but I guess it'll happen when it happens." Ethox finished.

"It sounds like you have more seals to break. Don't worry, you wont need my help with those. I'm sure you'll unlock them all on your own." Ariadoa smiled.

"Wow, with all these new abilities, we're gonna be tough to beat." Ristarte said. "Especially with the new Bow Abilities Seiya's learning…"

"Did you just say bow?" Ariadoa asked in surprise. "Please don't tell me… Mitis isn't the one traning him this time, is she?!"

"Uh… yeah. She's the Goddess of Archery, right?" Ethox asked. "Rista knew her, so she was a good fit anyway-"

"How could you be so stupid?!" Ariadoa shot up from her chair, spilling her tea. "That woman is utterly terrifying!"

"More so then Adenela?" Mirror Match asked.

"The two don't compare in the slightest, and that's putting it mildly!" Ariadoa said. "Mitis… is a nymphomaniacal goddess who will prey on any hero summoned. If they cross her path, she abducts and sexually devours them!"

"She does WHAT?!" Mirror and Ethox exclaimed in unison.

"It's the reason she lives in the Verdant Forest, Ishtar banished her there! Allowing men anywhere near her is absolutely forbidden." Aria explained.

"But they're just training, I even saw it myself!" Rista argured.

"Mitis must be savoring her quarry and waiting until the last day… I bet she's ready to explode." Ariadoa predicted in worry. "Sexual relations between a goddess and a human are forbidden. Seiya won't come back from this, it's a one and done situation."

"As in, one strike and he's out?!" Ethox said as he bolted out of his seat and out the door. "HANG ON SEIYA, I'M COMING TO SAVE YOU!"

"Ethox, WAIT FOR US!" Mirror yelled as the rest of the group dashed away after the Nobody.


One very NSFW rescue later…

The group returned to Gaeabrandae, Mash and Ethox looked more than a little shaken up.

"...I'm never going to sleep again…" Mash whispered.

"...I can't get married anymore…" Ethox whimpered. "...she didn't even touch me and I still feel violated…"

"Thank Harmony Celestia wasn't there to see that." Mirror Match groaned. "It would have taken days to resolve that situation."

"If we never see that vulgar Goddesss again, it would still be too soon." Ristarte groaned as the portal closed.

"You have returned!" the group turned to see Carlo standing behind them.

"Oh, hey Carlo! Glad you're here." Ethox said before looking around. "Hey, where is everyone?"

"Captain Rosalie decided to head to the Demon Fly nest all by herself." Carlo explained.

"That reckless girl…" Mirror Match sighed. "Could she not have sat still for at least an hour?"

"Well, maybe we'll be lucky and she won't have run into trouble yet." Ethox said. "We better hurry and catch up to her."

The group then flew and Shadow traveled off to Beel Bubs base, finding a good spot to find a lookout in the cover of the trees.

"This is a good spot to camp and survey the nest. And the flies won't see us." Ethox said. "Anyone have eyes on Rosalie?"

"I see her." Mirror said as he looked towards the nest and saw the captain climbing it. "What in Harmony's name does she think she's doing?"

"Being brave, probably." Seiya said. "I call it being an idiot."

"Hey look, she can make a shield around herself." Ethox pointed out, seeing Rosalie doing just that.

"That's Light's Blessing, it protects the user from Mob Attacks. Must be one of her skills." Ristarte said.

"She just became the perfect Decoy." Seiya said.

Ethox then looked up. "Demon Fly commander, 12' o Clock!"

Ethox was right, as Beel Bub appeared.

"Cool, now I can snipe Beetle Face." Seiya said, summoning his bow.

"Once again, your tremendous ability to predict things never ceases to amaze." Mirror Match said.

"You can swat flies with Honey almost all of the time." Seiya said before looking up. "Aw, crap. Way to go, Rista."

"Huh? What did I do?" Ristarte asked as some flies were circling the treeline where they were hiding.

"Flies have an exceptional sense of smell." Seiya answered. "They came over because you're stinkin up our hiding spot with your goddess stink."

"What stink would that be?! You're joking right?" Ristarte asked, frantically sniffing herself. "I really don't smell that bad, do i?"

"I don't think I should answer that, it could be insulting." Ethox said.

"All of you just shut up!" Seiya harshly said. "It's all or nothing. I'm going for a headshot… almost…"

"Oh look, we found the hero!" a voice called out, breaking Seiya's concentration. "We were wondering if you would ever show up!" called out the knights from earlier.

"Dude, quiet! You're gonna give away our position!" Ethox said.

"Ah! I offer you my sincerest apologies!" the commander said.

"You're being even louder!" Mash said as the knight screamed.

"Think we should relocate?" Ethox asked.

"It's too late! They're onto us!" Mirror Match called, seeing the flies swarm towards them.

"Don't panic. I'm still on it, I was ready for something like this to happen." Seiya said, keeping his aim.

"I'm Rosalie Roseguard, daughter of the war master!" Rosalie suddenly announced. "Hey, Beel Bub! Come down here and fight me fairly!"

"What's she thinking?! Stop!" RIstarte panicked.

"Not a problem. Saw that coming too." Seiya said.

"Is there anything you don't expect coming?" Ethox asked before they saw Beel Bub carrying Rosalie into the air. "Aw, crap! She got caught!"

"Did your psychic powers tell you that was gonna happen?!" Rista asked before her chest was poked by Seiya's sheathed sword. "Ah, hey! I get that you're frustrated, but don't take it out on the ladies!"

"I'm not. I lost my decoy, and now I need another one. Go be useful for once." Seiya ordered.

"Um… you want me to be a decoy?" Ristarte asked.

"I've got a plan. I need time to pull it off though." Seiya said.

"Really putting me on the spot here, how am i supposed to distract them?" Ristarte asked in worry.

"Relax, Rista. I got you covered." Ethox said.

"Uh, Ethox, you can't fly, remember?" Ristarte reminded the Nobody.

"Nope. But I've got something new that can get me airborne anyway." Ethox said as he summoned his keyblade. "I can reach the heavens, my feet have luck on their side. Lend me your legs, warrens of the burrows.

The rabbit kanji on his Keyblade lit up as Ethox kneeled down on the ground.

"Just keep Beel Bub beel-busy for a few minutes. That's all the time I need." Ethox told Ristarte. "Good luck. Discipline of the Rabbit: Sky Walker!"

Ethox then leapt up, jumping above the trees into the air, leaving the entire group (sans Seiya) shocked.

"Whoa…" Mash said.

"Well… I hope he knows what he's doing…" Ristarte said as she grew wings and flew out to where Beel Bub was waiting. "Hold it right there!"

"Hm…" Beel Bub said, seeing Rista. "Judging from those wings, you must be a goddess. If you're here, that means that the meathead hero must be here as well."

"Yeah, and he wanted me to relay a message: let her go!" Ristarte demanded.

"Not to worry. I was only using this girl as bait." Beel Bub said, lifting him and his hostage higher. "Now that I know he's here… I think I'll celebrate with a reverse firework! Tell me, do you think this is high enough for you to make a good firework?" he asked Rosalie.

At this question, Rosalie simply growled. "I'm gonna make you apologize for the men you killed if it's the last thing I do!"

"Considering you're about to join those men, I doubt you're in any position to demand apologies!" Beel Bub pointed out as he dangled Rosalie by her leg.

"You bastard!" Rosalie said.

"That's enough!" Ristarte demanded getting close.

"Your hero and his supporters should be back by now, are they still training?" Rosalie mocked.

"Not in front of the bug!" Ristarte warned.

"Training?" Beel Bub asked. "Training… he must be planning to strike me with a bow and arrow."

"(Great, the bug is psychic too!)" Rista groaned internally.

"Guess I'll just have to gain altitude to really set this one off!" the demon bug declared as he flew higher into the sky, with the healing goddess chasing them.

"(He's going higher so he won't be a target for Magic Arrows! Way to be the worst decoy ever, Rista!)" Ristarte slapped herself.

Beel Bub burst through the clouds and soared into the Stratosphere.

"This should be high enough! From up here, you'll burst into tiny red and pink pieces!" Beel bub said pressing Rosalie over his head. "Now, I'll throw you to the ground so hard, the goddess won't be able to catch you!"

"(If he throws her with all his might, I'll never be able to catch her in time!)" Rista thought.

"You coward!" Rosalie yelled. "Get back on the ground and fight me like a man!"

"I'm not a man, I'm just shaped like one!" Beel Bub said as he prepared to throw her. "The only thing you'll be fighting is gravity!"

"I wouldn't if I were you."

"Huh?" Beel Bub paused, looking around. "Who said that?"

"The Cautious Hero got his title for a reason you know." the voice said. "He figured you'd try to escape up here, so he shared a little idea: if your enemy can already fly…"

From behind the demon, Ethox jumped up from the clouds.

"...why would they bother looking up?" he finished as he landed a thrust to the demon fly's back, causing him to lose hold on Rosalie, who started falling. "Rista! Catch her!"

"I've got her!" Ristarte assured, grabbing Rosalie, but was weighed down. "Ugh…! Didn't factor in the weight of your armor! A little heavy, but I'll manage!"

"Sorry about that…" Rosalie said.

"How did you get up here?!" Beel Bub asked. "I was certain you didn't have the Flight Skill!"

"I don't. But that's not why I'm airborne, take a closer look!" Ethox said.

Beel Bub did so, seeing Ethox flicking his heels as patches of air separated between them.

"That technique! It's from another world! The Sky Walk!" Beel Bub realized.

"Not exactly the genuine article, though. It's part of my new discipline! By harnessing the power of the Rabbit, my leg strength increases to the point I can do stuff like this!" Ethox said. "It's not really at the level of a certain chef, but… it'll do against you."

"Is that so?" Beel Bub said. "You may have caught me off guard with this new power, but I know for a fact these Augmentation Skills of yours only last so long. All I have to do is avoid your attacks until it times out and you fall to your bloody, explosive death!"

"Heh… unfortunately, I'm not the one you should be focused on." Ethox siad.

"What?" Beel Bub said.

"You think Rista was the only decoy? I'm one too, bug brain!" Ethox said, looking behind Beel bub to see seven lights in the distance.

"(Seven Lights?)" Ristarte thought before seeing 7 light arrows zipping towards Beel Bub. "(That's a 7-Shot Shining Arrow! He's trying to 1-up the goddess of freakin' archery! There's no way that can be avoided!)"

Before the arrows could hit Beel Bub, he swiftly rolled out of the way of all of them.

"Hah! Rolling Dodge!" Beel Bub said. "Nice try, non-existent one! Did you forget how fast I am? Now I know where that hero is hiding in the clouds!"

Beel Bub then took off towards the hero's origin, spotting Seiya flying in front of him. "There you are! Now, I'll grab you and make you my ultimate reverse firework!"

"Oh no you don't!" Ethox called out as he jumped in front of Beel Bub, getting an arm to the gut for his trouble. "Ack!"

"Hah! You can't stop me...GUH!" Beel Bub felt a pain in his chest as he spat up demon blood, noticing there was a hole where his entire chest used to be.

"I wasn't stopping you… just keeping you in place for the hero's back up attack." Ethox smirked as 6 white birds circled around the demon.

"I see… when the arrows initially missed their targets, they then boomeranged back and transformed into birds!" Rosalie realized.

"Oh, that's definitely a Seiya technique!" Ristarte smiled. "I bet he named it something cool like Transform: Automatic Garuda."

"Damn you…" Beel Bub croaked out.

"These birds will follow you wherever you go." Ethox said. "But, since you seemed so keen on throwing people down… let's see how you like it!"

Ethox raised his Keyblade over his head, aiming for Beel Bub's head. "Go flying and burst like a firework! Earthward Bound!"

Ethox slashed down and nailed the demon bug straight on the head, sending him flying down towards the ground, the birds chasing after him. Beel Bub came crashing down to the top of his nest, seeing the birds dive bombing him.

"I'm gonna be the firework now!" he screamed as the birds hit him, causing him to burst apart and causing a flame on top of the nest.


Everyone regrouped on the ground as Seiya and Ethox landed.

"That was fan-freakin tastic!" Mash praised.

"It really was, that bug brain didn't stand a chance against you two!" Elulu said.

"Well, I didn't really do all the work. Seiya was the one who took him down, as usual." Ethox said. "With that awesome finishing move with the bow of course.

"Yeah, Transform: Automatic Garuda was amazing to see!" Ristarte added.

"What're you babbling about?" Seiya asked.

"Oh, i just came up with a name for that move that boomeranged your arrows back and turned them into birds." Rista admitted. "What's it called?"

"Oh, you mean Boomerang Birdie Boom-Boom." Seiya said.

"...I believe I'll use Rista's name, thank you." Mirror Match stated. "Now then… I believe we should do something about Beel Bub's swarm?"

"Yup. Tater Tot, Shortstack. Help out Scarface and his broodiness. Lets see what you all got." Seiya said.

"You're letting them go ahead and fight the flies? That's so kind of you!" Ristarte said.

"Sure. I mean, they all have been improving and gained new skills, I'm not blind to progress." Seiya said. "Hop to it. I wanna see maximum effort out there."

"We'll make you proud! Wait and see!" Mash said.

"Yeah, just wait and see!" Elulu added.

Unfortunately, Seiya didn't actually mean what the dragonkin thought, as he let loose a barrage of Shining Arrows one after another like a machine gun and brought the swarm down in an instant.

"Nice." Seiya said.

"You just can't bring yourself to let others fight in your stead, can you?" Mirror Match sighed. "I should've guessed."

"Alright Short-stack, speed Taters and his Broodiness with your Haste ability."

"What fresh new torture is this going to be?" Mirror match said as Elulu used Haste on both of them.

"Don't tell me, you want Mash and Match to gather the corpses of the flies you shot down so you can burn 'em all at once." Ethox said.

"You catch on quick, Scarface." Seiya said.

Reluctantly, Mash and Mirror Match did as Seiya wanted, gathering up the fly corpses into a huge pile.

"Hells Fire!" Seiya said, setting them aflame as their speed was returned to normal.

"Are we fighters, or maids?" Mash asked the former king.

"There are those that do both… though in this case, I'd have to say we're more like the latter."

Ethox sighed before he saw Rosalie approach him on horseback.

"So, your hero is eliminating the stragglers? I think that's beneath him." Rosalie said.

"He likes to be sure anyone he faces is definitely dead." Ethox said. "I get the feeling you didn't come to mock Seiya though. Why are you talking to me?"

"Because I think you ought to know about this information and share it with your party." Rosalie said. " In the Village of Izailae, there is a shrine that houses a legendary suit of armor that will help that hero defeat the demon lord."

"Legendary Armor, eh?" Ethox asked.

"Not just that, Ultimate." the warrior known as Bott said. "It was crafted by an Ancient Sage who foresaw our current crisis. Our plan was to let the hero know as soon as possible, but the flies distracted us."

"That man isn't worthy enough to wear that armor, but in this time of need, he has too." Rosalie said. "I just hope you'll prove a better hero than he is."

"...Y'know, Seiya is harsh, but he means well." Ethox said. "You wouldn't even be alive right now if it wasn't for him. But don't worry, I'll relay the message."

"You should." Rosalie said. "But just remember… I'll remember you as the one who saved my life. Yah!" Rosalie said as they rode off.

Ethox then relayed the message to the others, everyone agreeing to double back to Izaliae to get the armor, and Ristarte was happy to hear that.


However… when they got to said village, they bore witness to a horrifying sight.

"No...no way." Ethox said as they found the village in ruins and flames with a number of its people dead. "Did the demon lord do this so we couldn't get the armor?"

"Hehehe...well, welcome back heroes." a voice said as a familiar dwarf showed up.

"The shopkeeper?" Mirror said. "Wait...you...you did all this."

"Hehehe...let me tell you my name. I'm Kilkapul, one of the demon lord's Four Heavenly Kings." he said.

"You posed as a shopkeeper to spy on us!" Ethox realized.

"Well, I needed to find a way to find out what the hero looked like, and what their name was." Kilkapul said. "After that, I only had to use my crystal ball to spy on you and your adventures."

"You bastard!" Ethox said, summoning his Keyblade. "You killed all these people!"

"Not by myself, of course." Kikapul said. "You see… what I excel at is summoning demons. Like this one."

A large demonic tortoise appeared behind the demon.

"An Adamantoise. I see...you had it eat the armor." Mirror said.

"Indeed...now no one can use it, not even the hero." Kilkapul said. "Unlike most heroes, you all had a slim chance of defeating the Demon Lord… but I guess we'll never know if it would pay off… because your journey on Gaeabrande ends now."