Chapter 17
The Road to Salvation
(The Pre-Onigiri Arc – Part 3)

Aya asked her, "Why would you ask me that?"

Tohru proclaimed, "Am I being evil, because Chris McLean is using us?"

Aya said, "I don't know. Again, those are the images I encountered from the forthcoming. It hasn't happen, and in my opinion, it never will."

Tohru said, "I see… But why am I suddenly uneasy by it?"

"I think you're being too close to him. He set you up with a kidnapping scam, and you are nearly having second thoughts about him. I refuse to let you become a hated girl, or a pariah to the worlds. There are other evil people, down the road, going down that direction, with their own evil purposes. Would you become that person, because a liar has conned you and wants you, because of your powers? Search your feelings, Onigiri… and you will know that I am right."

Tohru turned away and left. Aya said, "We haven't finished our training… Why are you going?"

Tohru responded, "I'm sorry. But I mustn't let it stand…"

She bowed and said, "No. I think I'll find Chris, and then come back, letting you know. Wait for me, Aya."

She left, as Aya grew worried. She then thought, "Tohru…"

She still remembered those hellish images and said, "You are making a big mistake. Just promise me to return."

XXXXX

The next morning, Percival arrived at the church, which had a sign that said "Ministry of Father Hiram Matthias – Local Alt. World Evangelist".

"Matthias?" He thought, as he entered.

Father Matthias appeared, in his preacher garb and said, "Welcome, fallen angel. We've been expecting you."

Percival introduced himself to the preacher, "My name is Percival Gaynes. I am a member of the Feral Beauty Investigation. I was wondering if I have a moment of your time, since you mentioned the worlds being twisted, all because of your salvation talk, earlier."

Matthias pleaded, "Young son, I am only speaking the truth. I give the people that are trapped in hell and bring them into total peace and deliverance! That, and also, I am rich, as well. I don't accept funds from the congregation, since all the currency is all acceptable."

"Be that as it may, this discussion we had is strictly classified. Now, tell me."

Matthias told his story:
"The lord works in mysterious ways… Why, even the evil that has spawned in these worlds. I chose to make the worlds, as it is, staying as it should. But, on one condition… there should be NO evil deities, megalomaniacs, terrorists, and all the bad men, responsible for the torment, death, power, and corruption in this world… The lord is like that. He giveth, and he taketh away, so it was our freedom… including the demon, who has caused these worlds, for what they are – ONE world, ONE empire, ONE being. I started out that way, ever since the alternate worlds came to be. I wasn't even a preacher, at that time. I was an evangelist, who was rejected by the church! I wouldn't fight the evil, alone. My son, Jebediah Hathious, was a full-fledged follower to the almighty god, before the demonic hell spawn of these worlds came to be. But when I heard that P.S. 118 was up in smoke, it was my time to rechristen myself into salvation.
I led many worshippers from Jindai High, my first meeting for the masses, in which they'd never believe. They were one of the evil alternate universes' first of many; victims of those, meeting another group of people, strayed from their own land, and struck down into inequality. However, once I finished my congregation to these lost students, there was a voice that cried out, as a mysterious man had wanted to use his foul influence on those who would be given the chance at salvation! It was there I learned that this man, this foul beast of a demon, make it a funhouse… tearing the school apart."

Chris McLean was shown, destroying Jindai High, inside out, destroying windows, buildings, lockers, and desks. There were bodies strewn about, following the cataclysmic destruction in Jindai High.

"His hatred raged all around, killing everyone in the school, which was known as the Jindai High Massacre. But there were a few survivors, escaping the demonic man and his rage, after countless years, he destroyed everything in these worlds, for his fun amusement and abusement… and he knew that I was responsible."

A newspaper article read: "Jindai High School destroyed; 78 students, 15 teachers, and 27 others killed; no survivors, but many escaped to safety"

"When I heard of that disastrous and cruel punishment that the demon had done, I knew what I had to do. Taking advice from my son, I created my own church, my own congregation, and my own life. I knew that if these worlds remain the same, using every waking prayer, every guiding light, and every second chance… I knew that I'd bring peace. And once I do, the lord would welcome me in the flock, with open arms."

Percival said, "But in your speech, you said that you'd lead them to salvation. You said that you would lead them into glory. So, if you were an evangelist, how come you knew about… him?"

"Him?" Matthias inquired, "You mean like… Chris McLean?"

"You guessed, right?"

"I heard of him, through the Good Teens and Antagony. He is indeed the devil. He has become the master… of chaos. I was never a fan of Total Drama, ever since he owned a huge island, coated in nuclear waste…"

"And…"

"And… He once buried a girl, dead from poisoning… Rei Tachibana, she was called."

"And her body disappeared. You don't think he raised the dead?"

"He would… But it is called the demon, for nothing… He can control everyone, through death. And once spawned, they are forever loyal to McLean."

"That sounds dark and spooky. But I agree with what you said. Rebecca Miyamoto was the prime suspect in Tachibana's death. However, they never recovered the body. She died, after drinking a whole can of orange juice. The juice, according to her autopsy, had traces of rat poison in it. Not to mention that it was warm from body heat… whatever that is. Miyamoto was arrested, and McLean dumped the body. After hunting down Tachibana's corpse, it mysteriously disappeared. My guess is that she rose from her buried grave and did his bidding. However, she vanished into another world."

Matthias barked, "NO! It cannot be true! But, you know that it must be done, after he buried his prey."

Percival snuffed, "Tell that to Becky. We were going to take her in… Her sentence was the death penalty… but she disappeared, as well. No one knows why and how she did it, but my partners and I are looking for her. Now, McLean, back to the subject… What would you do to his followers, if you run into them?"

Matthias replied, "I don't know. You are right. I am just an evangelist… But they praised me as a preacher. My whole life I wanted them to follow me, and escape the demons that consumed them. But nobody wanted to escape!"

Percival said, "Well, so far there had been news of many up-comings and out-comings. Perhaps maybe we could fix a young girl. She was convinced by McLean, according to Aya, a friend of mine, and is close to being converted."

He showed him a picture of Tohru Honda.

"Her name is Tohru Honda. She's a member of the Resistance, who has been on your side, since the worlds came to be. If you want them to stay, as it is, talk to her. But be forewarned… She has a very mysterious power that even I cannot comprehend… but it's far too wild to control."

"Hmm…"

He sensed her aura from the picture and said, "Hmm… She seemed to be happening, as she was being corrupted."

He stated, "Bring her to me… Hopefully, I could try to reason with her."

Percival said, "I suppose… but I cannot meet with the Resistance, after what transpired. Tohru… she could be uncontrollable."

"I understand. Now… Now, we must keep this talk a secret, like you said. No one, not even McLean or Miss Honda can be heard of it."

"Of course. You heard my statement, and now, I shall leave."

He bowed and said, "Thank you, Father."

He left, as Matthias said, "Peace be with you, brother."

He left the church, as Matthias felt uneasy. He viewed the picture and was stern by it. He said in a quiet echo, "She… She could be…"

Meanwhile, Hanajima was rushing off in a small motorcycle, heading to another city. She called Tohru on the walkie-talkie and said, "Uo shall arrive later, only to give you your next mission. I'm going to meet with Chef."

"What? Why?" Tohru asked.

Hana explained, "Simple. He's entering a city called SimCity. Chef is there. He's up to something…"

Tohru then suddenly said, "Kill him."

"WHAT?"

"You heard me. If we take down Chef, Chris falls, as well. Promise me that."

Hana responded, "I understand. I'll do that, for you. Remember, you can handle Chris McLean, when the time is right."

Tohru giggled, "Good…"

Hanajima said, "Over and out."

She tuned off, as she entered the huge town, full of skyscrapers and industrial zones. She found Chef's last known whereabouts, by a Mario Statue. It was marked with a symbol of Chris's face, over it. She sensed his electric waves and spoke, "He's close."

She revved off, heading to where Chef is.

Meanwhile, Tohru is resting, as Uo called to her. She asked, "Where's Hanajima?"

She replied, "She's at SimCity. She wanted to find Chef. There was disturbance in the city and she has the report on it."

Uo gasped, "WHAT? She left, without my order?"

Tohru gave Uo the paperwork, as she read the papers of the mission that Hana accepted.

"SimCity – Date of entry: 10/XX/20XX: Have arrived at a city that Chris McLean dubbed it as the weirdo city. News from Executive Citizens that the city is in peril, about to be suffering a huge crisis, involving a huge meltdown, in the city's Nuclear Power Plant, located on Longitude: 32, Latitude: 29; Elevation: 72, Wind Direction: 45 degrees North by Northeast. The city is connecting with seven different Commercial Zones, all surrounding the area, which is by the water. After being close to the action, the Power Plant is in need of fixing. However, knowing the Sims in these cities, Chris and Chef plans to erase the city and start anew. This will affect any city, if use of a huge overload in the main area's electrical breakers. But due to the pollution, surrounding another area, close to a Casino, Bank, and Fire Department, the crisis level on the power plant has been set from Borderline to "Holy Shit!"… and implosion of the city's surrounding area is imminent – countdown: five hours."

Uo gasped, "And what does that have to do with Chris?"

She turned the next page and said, "Implosion will affect the entire city, at a fifty mile radius. If controlled, in time, then the city's crisis level will revert to High… depending on another possible disaster – Airplane Crash, Monster Attack, or UFO Attack. Possibility of disaster – 75%."

Tohru turned away and said, "It's a serious mission. I suppose that Hana-Chan will handle it."

Uo huffed, "Idiot!"

She then instructed her, "By the way, one of Chris's predictions came to be. Dimmsdale; the School; the students are revolting, after another F from Denzel Crocker, a teacher from the elementary school. In this, you have to control them. Stop the kids, protect Mr. Crocker, and stop this upcoming madness."

Tohru nodded, as she stated, "Right. Will this be immediate?"

Uo remarked, "You'll do it, immediately. Your ride arrives in two hours. I'll go and assist Hana."

Tohru replied, "No! Hana told me that she'll handle it alone."

"But during a possible Nuclear Holocaust? I can't let her go in and die!"

She called, "You stay here and wait for your ride. I have to help Hanajima."

Tohru said, "I'll do the mission, but Hana has to kill him. I don't trust Chris or Chef!"

Uo nodded, "I understand. But if he dies, what next? Do you want Hanajima to die?"

"No."

"You better do it. You're in charge, for the moment, until we return. In the meantime, stay here. You handle your mission, until it is time."

She dashed off, "Idiot!"

Tohru watched on and was concerned. She then said, "Right. I guess I better call Aya."

However, she was visited by Aya, herself. She spoke to her and said, "Hi. Where's Hana and Uo?"

"They left. They're gonna kill Chef."

"Ah, good. One less bad man. Listen, I got good news… and bad news."

"Give me the bad, first."

"No. Good news is that the Good Teens and Antagony had a peace treaty."

She viewed it in her aura projection and showed Alejandro and Cameron, shaking hands, after Cameron earned a huge monetary payment, for his role in the beach. He was paid over 750 billion dollars in Dollars, Pesos, Pounds, Shillings, Yen, Francs, and Digi-Dollars (among other currency), plus a cheeseburger.

"A cheeseburger? Some people want to not go hungry."

"That may be true, but Chris's vision that you mentioned before, about these kids hurting Chris… It's coming true. Let's hope nothing is blown."

"What's the bad news?"

Aya then stated, "You won't like this… but… The bad news is that they are recruiting you!"

"Why? I'm not even ready!"

Aya held her and said, "Yes, you are… You're ready. All you need is to control your inner beast, your android program, and your alien ESP, and you're on your way. I've done all I can. From now on, you're on your own."

She was about to leave, as Aya added, "By the way… I managed to hear of Percival, lately; says that he's bringing an evangelist, trying to free the bad demon inside."

"But… Why would he do that? Is it because of Chris McLean?"

"Yes. You've become close to him, since he gave you a deal to join him… but you managed to refuse. However, one side chose for you to stay on the path of goodness, while the other side says to turn and join him. My option is this… Don't!"

Tohru nodded, "I will. I'll stay with Hana and Uo… but in order to make my decision… I have to know."

Aya said, "Right. You better go and get to Dimmsdale. I'll see you soon…"

She disappeared into shadows and echoed, "Farewell…"

Tohru smiled and blushed, "Goodbye, Aya. And thank you…"

She then decided to wait for her ride, but was visited by another figure. This time, it was Chris McLean. He was surprised by Tohru's sudden mission. He offered if he would help, since Chef is in SimCity. Chris responded, "Well, I figured you need my advice, so-."

Tohru said, "No. Hana and Uo are out to kill your friend. I cannot have them suffer a holocaust, while they capture him."

Chris smirked, "Good! You know that jerk has been uppity at me. Why, he tried to take the million dollars and run, but failed. But I always punish him. I am not a bad man. I just tolerate anything that betrays me."

Tohru responded, "Oh, no reason. I'm surprised that you knew about the city…"

Chris said, "He knew about your friends. He'll be happy to help, if he survives. But do us a favor and let him die. That guy has been on me, every season. By the way, if Chef dies, I still need your answer."

Tohru then asked, "Answer me this… Do you have any world conquest on you? Chef is going to destroy a city, for you."

"No. But a nuclear disaster is a coincidence. I love it, since it's dangerous."

He chuckled, as Tohru grumbled, "I see… So, Ganon was a coincidence, too?"

Chris then said, "No. But your friends' lives are one. I think it might be because you are worried that if I join you, or you join me, they die."

She gasped, "Who told you?"

Chris smiled, "Search your feelings, Tohru… You know that I am right. I think I know who told me, since she was nice to tell me so."

She smirked evilly, "And that person… was you."

Tohru then held a blade at his face and growled, "The iHyrule job… The Congregated Control… The Antagony hit… The Phony Kidnapping… It was you, all along! WASN'T IT?"

Chris raised his hands and confessed, "SO… The lonely Onigiri… knew about me… after I planted a tracking device in your skirt, the minute I asked for your help."

Tohru growled in spite, "You bastard!"

Chris smiled, "Go ahead… Kill me… Then how can I help save your friends?"

Tohru was shocked, as he gave her and ultimatum. If she killed him, Uotani and Hanajima will die, as foretold in Aya's visions. If she spared him, it doesn't matter. She put the sword down and gave in. She turned away, as her ride to Dimmsdale came. She then said to him, "If what you said is true, I will accept you, only to help. But you will be adjudged by the Resistance. I'm in charge, but only until Uo and Hana comes back. That way, for two things: assistance and punishment."

Chris then halted her and said, "Hold it! Before you go, you may need this. Give this to one of the students in Crocker's class. Once you have controlled them, give this to one kid and tell him to wait for orders."

Tohru was given a radio and speaker. She replied, "I will. But, after this, you're finished. And, by the way, I cannot let you take me… ever!"

She left the HQ, as Chris smiled. "She'll be back…"

Aya then viewed the conversation, in the shadows, and growled, "Damn you, Chris…"

To be continued…

Writer's Note: Originally, Tohru was to hold a gun at Chris. However, due to the "Newtown shooting", a while back, it was removed and remade.