A/N: Sorry for the long gap but hey, inspiration can come at any time...

Dark storm clouds swirled above the mound that up until a week ago was a crater. The ground pulsated with energy; while in the sky above lightning danced and the wind howled as if the elements themselves were trying to keep something at bay. Large chunks of stone, too large for even a dozen men to budge lifted off the ground by black waves of power. Suddenly a hand emerged from beneath the rubble and a pair of bright yellow eyes shown through the darkness. "I've finally arrived! Now, to feast on the souls of this world!"

Part 2: Awakening

Ryuusei was jarred awake; his right hand searching the space beside him, then the pillow. Both were cold and had no sign of occupancy. "Just a dream..." Slumping back down on his pillow. (No way Rimuru's THAT soft.)

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At the cemetary; Philia Philis stood before three headstones, there were no patches of dirt as there were no remains to be burried... The Straylize priestess looked on at the gathering of family and friends. Those absent from the Swordian Team were Johnny Shiden thanks to political issues Aquaveil was even more cut-off from the world then it had been 18 years ago. And Igtenos' Master, King Woodrow Kelvin who was unable to attend because of pressing matters in Phandaria. Instead he sent gifts with the two women from his country; Mary Agent and Chelsea Tone.

Once all attendants were seated Clemente's Master began in her softest voice. "We are gathered here today to honor Kyle Dunamis, Loni Dunamis and their friend Reala who were tragicly taken from us..."

"AHCHOO!" Rimuru sneezed suddenly,

"Here you go honey." Lilith whispered trying not to disrupt Philia's eulogy. She handed her daughter a cloth hankerchief.

"Thanks mom." Rimuru took the hankey and blew, (Well that came out of nowhere, it isn't even cold,) Philia's voice was drowned out by the sound of Rimuru's inner voice. (What's that saying? "When you sneeze suddenly it means someone's thinking about you"? Probably that stupid punk at the inn, or maybe...) Her thoughts trailed off as her bright green eyes slowly shifted upward. (If that is you Kyle I assure you that you can rest in peace soon.)

"I'm sure Kyle's very happy that you're here." Chal said in an attempt to confort his partner. On a rooftop, and out of sight Judas watched the service. Chal knew his partner better than anyone, he knew that the masked swordsman was suffering greatly over the loss of his nephew.

Right now he was remembering their adventure in that alternate timeline. (No matter how bleak the situation you were always energetic, always hopeful... Even when you led group into trouble your optomism kept us strong...) And how Kyle was willing to spare Barbatos Goetia, the man who murdered his father Stan in cold blood... (You shown mercy to your enemies and even gave this arrogant fool who betrayed his friends, countrymen and the world a second chance...) His fist trembled; despite all resistance the normally calm and collected Judas shed a tear for his fallen nephew."You are the true definition of a hero!"

"Bocchan?"

"Kyle I swear to you, I'll hunt that bastard Gutri wherever he may run, no matter if it's to the ends of the Earth or to the depths of Hell. He AND his collaborators WILL answer for this!"

"And I will be by your side through it all!"

"Thank you Chal," Judas replied in his controlled tone. It took him a few minutes but the masked swordsman finally regained himself. and watched as Philia finished a prayer to the Megami Atamoni. "The service is almost finished, we should go before we're noticed up here."

"Right." And the Swordian Master made his way down the fire escape and and sped to the place where he was to meet Rimuru.

As the service came to a close, the guests lined up to place roses before the trio's headstones. After placed hers Rimuru walked off to join Judas who had his back against a tree. "Are you ready for this?" The masked swordsman asked without even looking.

"Yeah..." While wiping away a tear. "Let's go kick his...sas."

"Are you sure? If you still need a few days..."

"No! We're doing this now!"

He turned to leave. "Then it's settled... We'll pick up our third member and head to Aigrette's Port."

She walked up beside him and out of the corner of her eye noticed red around Judas' right eye then shifted her gaze to the ground. (This was hard for him too...)

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"That presence! Did you feel it Gutri!?"

The professor, meanwhile was hunched over a lab table, atop of which was a certain sword; it's blade bore a flame pattern and the crimson cross guard bore a jewel. Gutri turned his head to a large capsule that was surprisingly empty. "Good morning to you too..." Then returned to his research. "Now...what will make you react? Gamma Rays? Ultraviolet Rays? A radioactive spider bite?"

"You DARE wave me off!?"

"Wow, somebody's cranky, did Daemon have a bad dream during his 5-day nap?"

"Listen well! A powerful Youkai has appeared through the dementional breach Barbatos created!"

"Nonsense! If such a creature appeared, the sensors would've..." Suddenly alarms rang out through Helraios. "Well son of a bitch!"

"This could be the opportunity we've been waiting for!"

"Yes, I couldn't agree more, computer transp..."

"NO!"

"Aw, why not?"

"You had that mechanically-mutated monstrosity obliterate Barbatos! I won't risk you fucking this up, therefore I'll contact the creature with telepathy!"

"I see, one Daemon to another."

He scoft at the remark. "...Just focus on the task at hand!"

"As you wish, you are the client after all."

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The street fighter roamed about town, disappointed at the lack of activity. "Guess they're all at the funeral, even that paranoid Innkeeper's gone..." He rounded the square once more then found himself on the bridge leading to the orphenage, While there he stopped and leaned against the rail. (Maybe I should've gone too... I may not know the kid but being around those guys sure makes me feel for him...)

"A Gald for our thoughts?"

"The ecconomy ain't THAT bad," He presented his open palm. "10 Gald take it or lea..."Turning his head he found Rimuru and Judas. "...Oh it's you guys, over already?"

"Yeah..." She sighed.

"We've moving now, if that's fine with you?"

"Like I have any say in this," He crossed his arms. "I'm just 'the thrid guy' remember?" Then rose an eyebrow upon realizing only 2 of their party were there. "...Wait, ain't moms commin?"

"She's going to stay here, we are the only family they've got..."

Judas remained silent.

"I see... Well next stop Castlevania!"

"Calvalese." Judas corrected.

"I know that, it was a joke..."

Rimuru replied. "I know, but we're not exactly in a laughing mood..."

"So you're just going to brood the whole trip to Cherik? Because that's a LONG trip." Then thrust his fist into the air...and waited. "So why not show SOME enthusiasm!"

A silent moment passed and Chaltier was thrust into the air. Rimuru looked over. "Judas?"

"Why not, he may not but WE are doing this for Kyle."

The blonde girl snorted. "Yeah, I guess Kyle WOULD want us to something corny like this." Finally Excalibur followed suit, the two swords crossed just above Ryuusei's exposed wrist.

"Nice, a lil closer and I'll be grouped with that redheaded guy who shows off his abbs!"

They both sweatdropped and replied. "Sorry..."

"Just a few millimeters more..."

As the trio prepared to leave, Stan and Rutee approached the orphanage; while turning towards the bridge Kyle's mom caught sight of something, something that gave her a sense of relief. "Are you feeling better Rutee?"

Turning to her husband, Dimlos' partner saw her brightened expression. "He's...alive!"

He bore that classic confused look. "Who is?"

Rutee ushered him inside, then all-the-while staring at the bridge.

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Alarms rang throughout Helraios as dark energy surged within the laboratory sector. "It seems our guest has arrived Daemon."

"Yes, the psychic pulse I sent in his direction has drawn the Youkai here."

Within seconds the energy solidified into a red-cloaked figure. The Youkai surveyed the room for the saurce of the psychic bolt; his eyes only spotted Gutri, but his extraordinary senses found another... "Who dares call Ronove here!? Speak now or taste my wrath!"

"It is I...great Ronove."

"What!? A lowly specter!? Surely you mock me!"

"This is only a temporary problem, one I may remedy faster with your assistance."

"Bah!" He waved. "I have not the time for such things, not when there are human souls to devour." Eying Gutri from beneath his hood.

"How does a Seishin's soul sound?

This piqued the Youkai's interest.

To be Continued...

A/N: Like I said in my original note I fixed quite a few things in this story. First of all I have a new machine and a properly working keyboard. Second I overhauled the main/funeral segment of this chapter. And third I renamed the Youkai after a demon in the Ars Goetia (like the majoriety of ToD2's bosses)

And yes, Kyle was willing to spare Barbatos after the 3rd fight but Anago was too proud so he threw himself into the Kami no Me...