As trouble brewed in St. Dolphin, Percival and Asahi were in a losing battle, against Hotaru Kokonohi.

Hotaru emerged and cried, "HEADS UP!"

Asahi and Percival fought back, as they were able to hold off Hotaru. Sadly… She was too strong. Percival's rage blinded him, upon learning that Hotaru's a last remnant of Onigiri's Soldiers, only she was a soldier to Remy Snowflake, the famed serial killer from long ago.

Hotaru laughed, "What's the matter, smartasses? Like, you cannot best my abilities! Not while I have my Stand! Your Stands are flimsy!"

Asahi roared, "SHUT UP!" She punched her, but she missed. Percival landed a kick combo, but he flew over and crashed onto the desk. Asahi yelled, "MONSTER!" She landed a right, but Hotaru ducked. She hit a huge knee to the chest, and Magic Mirror slammed her down.

Hotaru cackled, "BWAH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!"

Percival snarled, "Goddammit… She's… She's too strong…"

Asahi kneeled up and said, "I won't… give up…"

She collapsed and moaned, "Ow…"

Hotaru laughed, "Isn't that cute… But I won! I bested you two failures! YOU, Percival Gaynes, the man that created hell… and YOU, Asahi Sakurai, the woman that was a firewall to Onigiri's revival. But no more… NO MORE! This is where you two will die… together. One you go, the rest shall follow…"

Percival groaned, "Damn… It's over, isn't it?"

Asahi slowly got up and said, "NO! I wouldn't quit. I'm an Ace… and I won't back from a fight." She growled, "Sure… I'm not a Joestar… I'm not of Precious Stones… I'm not a chosen one… and I'm not a powerful deity… but I am me. I am of pure heart… and something inside me says… I won't let it happen, again… NOT NOW! NOT EVER!"

She stood up and barked, "And that… will not imply on you… to stand tall as the winner! Anyone who holds chaos in their hands, and uses it for the revival of a monster that cursed every last one of us, because of a priest that wanted Heaven…"

Hotaru and Asahi stared down, "I'm done being scared… It's you and me… Leave him alone! He suffered enough!"

Hotaru smirked, "Really? Like, you totally don't get it? He's the catalyst behind the worlds being messed up! He knew of what happened, even what happened to the original Onigiri…"

Asahi shouted, "LIAR! You cannot prove me wrong! There's no way Remy Snowflake is the NEW Onigiri!"

Percival said, as he was kneeled down, "No… It's true… Remy Snowflake… She's… She's not who you think it is. She's… She cannot be stopped."

Asahi asked, "Percival, she's trying to manipulate you! Don't listen to her!"

"I AM NOT LISTENING TO THAT ASSHOLE! SHE KNOWS THE TRUTH, AND SO DO I! I messed up royally, because I thought Chris McLean ruined the multiverse! I was wrong! Tohru Honda's Onigiri can be stopped! I was wrong! The worlds will be fixed, as it is! I WAS WRONG, TOO! But when I learned of the mass discoveries of otherworld phenomena, it meant that it cannot be saved!"

"No… You're kidding…"

"I'm not kidding… I know about it… Even Remy Snowflake… The same monster that killed Black Dynamite."

Percival sighed and bowed his head, "But this… She was way worse than all of the enemies we faced, combined, even most of us weren't even born, during her existence…"

Asahi asked, "Huh? Who is Remy Snowflake? Answer me, Percival!"

Hotaru smirked, "Yes… Tell her… She's dying to know, before the deets you receive will lead to your demise…"

Percival said, "Asa… Remy Snowflake isn't human… She was a murderer, from the 1970s."

Asahi gasped, "What?"

Episode 12 - Chapter 5: I am… Pale Snake…
Heaven Reaches Upon Thee…

"And just what will you do, even if I was Pale Snake? Killing DnG will be your only objective, or will you shift to me first? Just so you know, I'm not solely the one in charge of this."

"Bastard!" E.E. shouted, "I knew it! The User of Pale Snake was YOU! Father Ritsu!"

Last time, E.E. was about to kill DnG, only to be discovered by Ritsu, who reveals herself to be Pale Snake's user.

Ritsu smirked, "That's a job I played in the prison. My name's Ritsu Tainaka… and I'm actually a woman."

E.E. gasped, "A woman? Wait… You played a male priest, and you were the one that caused chaos in prison?!" She yelled, "I'LL KILL YOU LATER! YOU DIE FIRST!"

Ritsu roared, "YOU HESITATED! IT'S TOO LATE! THAT MOMENT WILL COST YOU YOUR LIFE!" She unleashed Pale Snake, as E.E. went to kill DnG.

She fired, but Pale Snake deflected each shot, and with a free hand, it jabbed into E.E.'s skull. Pale Snake roared, "Do you know who it was that gave you free will and intelligence? Only I can do that, and I can take that away from you!" The Stand slowly pulled the disc off her head.

E.E. thought, as she held her finger gun, "Krystle gave me courage… and now… I'm going to use all of it… to save her!"

BANG!
She blew her brains out, as her greenish gooze slithered off. Some even went into DnG's mouth. "What the hell?" Ritsu gasped, "What in the world is she doing?"

SPLATTER!
DnG was impaled from inside, smashing his head into a melon. Green gooze slithered off, disc in hand. E.E. was escaping, leaving its body behind.

"I can't believe it! She would go to great lengths to save Krystle Giese?!" She yelled out, "YOU IDIOT! HOW DARE YOU LET E.E. GET AWAY! Grab her disc and hurry! If the newborn from MIO's bone is restored, find out where it's heading!" Ritsu headed off, leaving DnG behind, dead in the ambulance.

XXXXX

Krystle and Buttercup arrived safely in the wetlands, as Krystle held the baby, "Thank goodness… We were able to keep this little one alive. However, judging by the sound, E.E. may have gotten another enemy."

Buttercup said, "You said it… But the important thing is… We have to protect this little infant."

Krystle smiled, "Good… We'll find a safe place."

XXXXX

Ritsu hurried off, as E.E. went to find water, "I can only last up to 30 seconds, but I need to refuel myself… They all need to know… Father Ritsu Tainaka… She's Pale Snake!"

It found some water, but Pale Snake appeared. "It appears you wanted some tap water… Sorry, but I refuse to let you have any, right about now. But I have a question to ask you."

E.E. aimed her gun at it and cried, "NO, I'M LEAVING, BUT HERE'S MY ANSWER!"

SLASH!
He slashed its arm off and barked, "FEEBLE LITTLE–!"
BANG! BANG!
The severed arm fired at Pale Snake.

E.E. crawled off and poured water all over her. Ritsu said, "Wait… I am curious… Tell me, if you happen to look for the miracle that is in the Punishment Ward… What kind of organism was it? Animal or plant? And was it beautiful?"

E.E. bellowed, "YOU tell me, asshole! What's a priest like you doing at this prison? You think you look for something here you need?"

Pale Snake yelled, "SILENCE! I'm the one asking questions here! Thank you. You see, if I simply take the memories and read them, I would know the nature of what was born, immediately. However, I would rather hear it from a more personal account of it… namely yours. Because if you're saying "it's soft" or "It's strange" or "it's lovely" or anything about it, it's your own self-generated thought, and not the memories that are embedded within yourself."

"I see… You're more worried about that thing that disappeared from you!"

Ritsu gasped, "WAIT! IT MOVED BY ITSELF?!"

"Maybe, but who knows? To be honest, you should be way more worried about being killed, much less moving! Actually, it might be dead, already! Krystle has it, but I know she may find a way to kill it!"

Pale Snake bellowed, "Killing it is a zero percent chance of success. It is impossible! It possesses far too much strength to fall prey to the weak! My only goal is that Krystle will get sidetracked, and she'll lose sight of it! Only the memories of Jotaro Kujo can be able to stop it. And I, and only I, alone, have those memories from one Azusa Nakano; the same Watcher I killed! We have come to the point of being one step closer to our goal! Did it develop quickly, or was it controlled simulai?"

E.E. smirked, "Here's a question… WILL IT DROWN FROM WATER?"

Ritsu gasped, "YOU IDIOT! SHE'S STALLING! LOOK!" E.E.'s lower half is running away with the disc in its person. "My intellect has grown, more than your feeble evil plans! Because now, I'm telling Krystle everything about you!"

SMASH!
E.E. is sprayed in water, as Pale Snake screamed, "NOOOOOOOOO!"

Ritsu smirked, "How foolish… Fret not, Pale Snake, because she's not going anywhere."

E.E. emerged and regenerated, "I don't think so! Krystle will defeat the baby, and ruin your evil plans! YOU LOSE, FATHER RITSU!"

Ritsu held a disc and said, "I disagree. You're not the only one who decides on where your intellect stands. Who was it that gave you those powers to begin with? In fact, who was the one that gave you that Stand Power, as well? Oh, right…" She dropped the disc onto E.E. and roared, "ME!"

Pale Snake yelled, "YOU SENTIENT BAG OF PLANKTON! You're explaining things to me with hard earned triumph and arrogance!"

Suddenly, E.E. started to bubble and explode. She cried, "WAAAAAAH! WHAT THE HELL IS THIS? This water… It's hot! BOILING HOT!"

Ritsu nodded, "Correct… Yes, the water is normal and cold, but that's my bad."

"SON OF A–! YOU BITCH! MY BODY IS BURNING!"

Ritsu said, "The highest temperature in all aquatic life on Earth is 89.6 degrees fahrenheit… and it can safely withstand that much. And yes, the water is indeed normal. That is because I placed a Stand power that boils water." Pale Snake inserted the disc, as E.E. was growing and bubbling hard, "Convenient, yes. As said, I am the one who decides whether to give or take away anybody's memories or powers! And even your own intellect! Henceforth, every water you touch is instantly and reliably going to boil with your power!"

E.E. shrieked, as she was boiling to an extreme heat. She shrieked, as she was about to explode, "K–... KRYSTLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLE!"

KABOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
E.E. exploded into nothing, as her disc flew off. All her bio organisms disintegrate into nothing.

"Now, Pale Snake! Read her disc, and I will find out where Krystle is hiding!" She called out. But then…

"E.E.! Talk to me!" A radio was playing. It was a male voice, "E.E.! Do you read me? Or can't you hear me?"

Ritsu gasped, as Pale Snake recognized the voice, "No… That voice on the radio… Budo?! HOW?"

It started to rain, as Pale Snake hollered, "NO! THAT'S JADE HORNET'S WEATHER STATION! BASTARD! Budo Itsuka's still alive! And he signaled Buttercup to rain on where we are!"

E.E. suddenly regenerated, and crawled off, disc in its head. Pale Snake yelled, "YOU BITCH! YOU KNEW ABOUT IT! DAMN!" It went foggy, as he cried, "I'LL FIND YOU! YOU BITCH! YOU AND YOUR DISC! AND WHEN I DO, YOU'RE DEAD! ALL OF YOU ARE DEAD!" He failed to find it in the fog, as Pale Snake yelled, "AAAAAAAAAAGH! BUTTERCUP'S WEATHER STATION! AND E.E.'S DISC! THEY MUST BE HEADED TO WHERE KRYSTLE GIESE IS!" It was raining hail, as Ritsu heard it…

Tap ta-ta-ta-ta ta. Ta-ta-tap-ta tap-tap-tap tap-tap-ta ta-ta.

Ritsu said to her Stand, "Morse code! Decipher it!"

He read the code: The fog isn't thick enough… They're going to catch me. Pale Snake's true identity is Father Ritsu.

"THAT WRETCH! They blew my cover!" Pale Snake hollered, "THEY KNOW WHO I AM!"

"503… 509… 521… All the prime numbers, and can ease my pain… 523… I cannot let this get to me. If I give into shame, I lose. 541… Because shame, guilt, and disgrace makes one regret their past actions…"

Ritsu snarled, "The only thing left now is to erase Krystle Giese's Stand… and memories… and she won't know who I am. The only winner around here… is the one who can conquer and control all living beings!"

XXXXX

Krystle and Buttercup retreated, as they placed the baby onto a small leafy bed. It was snoozing, as the sun was setting.

"Good… We are able to keep the child safe."

"Now, all that's left is to call out the others." Buttercup said, "You stay here. I'll see if I can contact Kim."

Krystle smiled, "Thanks…"

As they waited for help, night fell.

Years ago…

MIO was reading a book of art, as Ritsu was lying in bed. MIO asked, "May I ask you something, Ritsu? Were you aware that an average of 40,000 people visit the Louvre, per day? It opened on August 10th, 1793, and guarantees so many people to view this museum. Here, they view such art, like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Fascinating, isn't it?"

"When you say fascinating, do you mean by numbers?" Ritsu asked her.

"Let me clarify…" MIO explained, "I am marveling about how brilliant arts can imbue their very souls into something seen merely cold and inanimate. As if they are the Stands that can travel through time, itself. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Intriguing thought… I admit it. Are you implying that artists like Leonardo di Vinci and Ivandros of Antioch are Stand Users?"

"Yes…" MIO closed her book, "And I'm talking about you as well, Ritsu… Pale Snake has the ability to manifest souls and present them…"

She grabbed her wrist and jabbed her hand into her forehead. MIO said, "What I am saying is… Watcher… is that are you going to betray me someday? I know exactly who you are… You do know I am weak against sunlight! Why do you think I sleep all day? You could easily kill me in my sleep… If you have taken The World from me, and turn it into a disc… and be a king, instantly? Go ahead…"

MIO and Ritsu stared down, glaring. Ritsu responded, "It's never crossed my mind… even once before. How? How did you find out about me? I have only admiration for people who helped mature my own growth! YOU are the Queen of Queens! When this is over, where will you be? When will you reach your end, someday? I love you with the same reverence and passion, as I love God!"

She refused, but then removed her disc. But MIO backed away. She turned away and said, "I never imagined that one day I would meet a human like you who could effortlessly put me at ease in conversation. You must understand that I was afraid of losing you." She concluded, "You'll become a noble priest, someday… I'm certain. Take the disc, as a token of apology. I have released it from me, and it's yours, as a gift. No matter where you may be, you can be secure, knowing I will always give your praise."

Ritsu opened her hand, seeing a piece of bone in her palm.

Back at the yard, Krystle and Buttercup stayed far from the baby, as Krystle was thinking of a new plan. However, minutes later, E.E. returned, all brown and black.

"E.E.!" She gasped, "What happened to you?"

E.E. smiled, "I brought a friend!" Budo came back, as he said, "Hey, Krystle Giese."

"Azusa's boyfriend?" She smiled, "Good to see you. And I'm sorry about Azusa…"

"That's alright. We will avenge her…"

E.E. said, "And we will… Once we survive, you have to tell Farra Stevens and Steven Cooke…"

"It's about the baby, right?"

"Wrong! It's about Pale Snake!" They all gasped, as E.E. explained everything, "Pale Snake… it was the priest, all along! Father Ritsu!"

Krystle gasped in shock, "WHAT? Ritsu?" She remembered, but then seethed, "That scumbag cunt… Why?"

She remembered Ritsu letting her through, and how Azusa was shot by the guard, only for Pale Snake to swipe her disc away, turning her into a mannequin.

"That… That asshole… She used me…" Krystle seethed.

Buttercup growled, "Unbelievable… You're saying that the Priest is Pale Snake?!"

"Yeah… I had to ditch my old body… but I was there. Budo was able to recover, thanks to me… That asshole priest wants the baby. She said we cannot kill the baby… but rather, if we kill her, victory's ours!"

Buttercup asked, "Wait… The priest is a chick? I thought it was a dude."

E.E. said, "She told me everything… But the important thing is… We end the fucker, but we have to tell Steven and Farra. THEY must know, and then we have done it!"

Krystle nodded, "Very well… You got a deal."

Buttercup barked, "HOLD ON!" She yelled at Budo, "Are you saying that this damned priest is a chick, dressed as a dude? That's messed up!" She approached Budo and said, "I need your consent for this… But I am not telling anyone, unless your story checks out."

Budo nodded, "Yes, it checks out… but…"
STAB!
Budo impales Buttercup's chest. He said in an evil glare, "I don't think you need to know… since you will all die here…"

Buttercup was thrown down, as they cried, "BUTTERCUP!"

She was slammed down, as Budo revealed himself to be… Pale Snake!

"PALE SNAKE!" Krystle roared.

Pale Snake said, "Thank you for leading me to where you are… I would've failed, if the real Budo Itsuka would have intervened. But on the way… He's still blind as a bat. Even if you heal him now… It's already too late."

"547… 557…" Ritsu appeared, as she grabbed E.E.'s memory disc. She held the disc and said, "At last, things are going my way, as planned. Many years passed, so many years… and it all comes down to this glorious occasion…" She went to the baby, and she conversed, "Now, the baby may be incomplete, but it'll do. All that's left is to read the notes Jotaro Kujo left behind, and I will achieve Heaven! It is now the New Moon… And I will awaken you, MIO!" she stated, "36 souls, damned and doomed on the soils of their resting places. Now… Everything will go as I have started."

"You forgot about me… Lycopene…"

Ritsu turned around, as she used Stone Wind to create a pair of handcuffs. Ritsu's right wrist was latched, as was Krystle's arm. "Ritsu Tainaka, you son of a bitch! I know who you are now… and I never thought I'd run into you, again… especially meeting each other, face-to-face…
I want three things from you, Ritsu Tainaka!
ONE: Azusa's memories!
TWO: the disc you stole from E.E.!
AND THREE: YOUR LIFE!"

An enraged Krystle has Ritsu cornered. The battle between good and evil resumes again.

Back to Obnubi, Asahi was shocked by the words from Percival Gaynes… Remy Snowflake used to be a famous serial killer, born with so much hatred. She was tried and convicted for killing innocent children, and was forced to be sent to prison, for the rest of her unnatural life. But she was found not guilty, due to lack of evidence and flimsy charges. Unfortunately, Remy Snowflake's reign of terror continued on… until she was met with her untimely demise. She was burned alive by various adults, and she vowed that she would return and cause chaos upon others.
THAT was the birth of Onigiri.

Asahi said, "Percival… She's dead. How can she be brought back to life…"

"Enrico Pucci, that's why…" Percival said, "Like most deceased people, she was given a reset to her life… Likewise the rest…"

Hotaru smiled, "Exactly. And more importantly, Remy Snowflake was reborn as the new Onigiri. Tohru Honda was the perfect catalyst for Onigiri, despite the fact that her mind brainwashed her to believe her family and friends are suffering, due to McLean's evil… when it like, turns out… it's complete bullshit. I never thought Remy Snowflake was simply Freddy Kreuger meets Dahlia Hawthorne, coming from the 1970s, but someone that can cause chaos can become such a hero to the eyes of the Forces of Darkness. So many followed her lead… and they all perished. Such a shame…"

She grinned, "And you two, among others, ruined all that. Those that defy Her, become shells of their former selves. Those that wish to fight Her, become ones that fall to Her feet. Those that try to live and rebel against Her, they die by Her hands. Onigiri lives… even from plagiarists, like Enrico Pucci, who only did Part One…"

Percival snarled, "Enough… Do what you must!"

Asahi yelled, "NO! I heard enough! I refuse to accept this nightmare! Because of her, everyone I knew suffered! I almost lost Maki! Hikari! Myu! EVERYONE! And I will be damned, if I let a demigod destroy these worlds, AGAIN!"

"Hmph… You disappoint me, Asahi Sakurai… I giveth, and She taketh away…" She summoned her Stand, "Magic Mirror, kill her!"

Magic Mirror attacked Asahi, and she said, "You're wrong!" She pressed the blue button and said, "MECHA POWER!" She transformed into Mech-Asahi, and she socked at Magic Mirror's face.

Hotaru was pushed back, as Asahi called, "I don't need a Stand to beat your skinny ass!"

Hotaru cried, "OMG! WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?"

Asahi charged her fists and barked, "SHUT UP! YOU AND YOUR GODDESS CAN FUCK YOURSELVES!" She revved up, "AND THAT GOES FOR YOUR STAND, TOO!"

POW-POW-POW-POW!
"DORARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARA! DORAAAAAAAAAA!" She landed a barrage of punches, and landed one more blow. Hotaru was pushed back. She thought in pain, "She's… too fast! Without her Stand, she's faster as Mech-Asahi!" Asahi dashed forward, as Hotaru snarled, "Bitch! I'll give you a fucking thrashing!" Magic Mirror retaliated, but Mech-Asahi emerged from behind her and barked, "HEADS UP!"

POW!
"DORAAAAAAAAAAA!" Hotaru was stunned, as she felt a huge left to her face, "Wh–? WHO IS SHE? She's, like, so fast that her damned mecha form can stop time!"

"DO! RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
KAPOW!
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" Hotaru was decked with a massive right, and was smashed out of the window. She hung on, outside, as she snarled, "You… You haven't won at all!"

Mech-Asahi aimed her arm at her and said, "No personal grudge… but you brought this upon yourself…"

Hotaru seethed, as she was losing her grip, "You may have won this battle… GO AHEAD and keep your damned Bodhi Wave!" She threw a small cube of energy to Asahi, and she boasted, "I'll be back! But pray… How long do you have… before everything ends, and SHE awakens? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

She fell and shattered to the ground below, reduced to shards, dissolving away. Hotaru Kokonohi lost, but she escaped, for now.

[Hotaru Kokonohi - Magic Mirror: AT-LARGE]

Asahi bowed her head and said, transforming back to normal, "Percival… I let you down…"

He said, "No, it's fine. We know now that they plan on using Euphoria to revive Onigiri. I'm more worried about the others… We have to return to New York."

Asahi asked, "Well, what'll I do with this?"

"Well, we can return it to Zina. After that, we'll find Cy and leave."

"Alright." Asahi nodded.

They returned to the lab, as they went to see Cy.

Back in Florida, Krystle and Ritsu square off, as they exchange punches.

"I'm going to take Stone Wind from you!" Ritsu shouted, "No one must know of who I am!"

"That'll be the day! No one can save you now! What you did to Azusa, I WON'T FORGIVE YOU!" Krystle yelled, "AND ALL YOU DID WAS USE HER, JACE, E.E., BUTTERCUP, AND MYSELF!"

She chopped the handcuffs off, but they were fused with her strings. Ritsu gasped, "No way… You would make handcuffs, with your Stand?"

Pale Snake lunged at her, and she landed a huge heel kick down. Ritsu blocked it and swept her down. They exchanged a punch each, but Krystle was nicked a bit. Ritsu grabbed her disc and said, "Game over!"

POW! POW! POW!
"ORA! ORA! ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA!" Krystle prevented Ritsu from taking it, and struck her down. Ritsu thought, "Dammit! I was this close! So much tenacity, she would never give up her disc to anyone!"

"Just a couple inches closer… and your ass is dead!" Krystle seethed.

Ritsu asked, "Pray, why would you show hostility to me? Just 'cause of what I've done… Your brother was a scumbag!"

They each landed a punch, but Krystle was faster. Krystle was about to finish her off, as Ritsu barked, "IS THAT HOW IT IS? FINE!" She threw a disc to Buttercup.

"WHAT DID YOU DO?"

"Discs are souls that are of convenient material format. And they can be preserved for all eternity. However, if a disc enters the body of someone dying… it fades away, along with the person who dies, along with them. And no matter what attempt you make, you'll never resurrect them… It's done."

Krystle looked at the disc and gasped. It was Azusa Nakano's memories. And it's slowly dissolving into Buttercup.

"Buttercup is dying, and my former leader, the one you wrought to avenge is going away forever… I can easily pull it out for you, but why bother? That is ON YOU! Pull the disc out, or continue this ridiculous death match? To jettison Azusa's disc from her body could be disastrous! What's it going to be?" She thought, "I have no use for it, anymore! I already got what I wanted! The path to Heaven… all I need is to chant the 14 words." Ritsu called, "Your move, Krystle Giese! Save Azusa Nakano AND Buttercup, or lose them in one sitting, as her soul is dragged away into Buttercup's decaying corpse?"

"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" She brutally assaulted Pale Snake, but Ritsu blocked her attacks. Krystle was completely enraged. Ritsu was blocking each of Stone Wind's punches, as she was struggling.

"All I really want now… is the newly born being!" She stepped back, as Krystle prepared. She unhooked the cuffs, and ran to the downed body of Buttercup.

"YES! I WIN! You chose your brother, more than me, as expected!" Ritsu called out. As Krystle recovered Buttercup, Ritsu turned to the green baby.

"Now…" She slowly crept towards the baby and said, "Spiral Stairs, the Beetle, abandoned town, fig tart, beetle, the path to Dolorosa, beetle, singularity, Giotto…" She reached for the baby, and continued, "Angel, hydrangea, beetle, singularity, secret emperor!"

The baby's eyes opened, and Ritsu ripped the bone out of her arm. It was the bone of MIO…

"Could it be that you are of interest in this?" It reached for her, as Ritsu grinned. "Will you come to me, quickly, of your own volition? Will this be the new beginning of everything?"

CHOMP!
The baby bit down onto her arm, as she was enjoying this, in pain, "Bless you, my child! Now, we can both enter your world together! HALLELUJAH, BELOVED MIO!"

She was pulled into the bushes, and disappeared.

"BUTTERCUP!" Krystle pulled the disc out, and Buttercup passed out. She whispered, "Thank god… That was a close one…" Buttercup was unconscious, as she whispered, "Was I too late? She's still breathing…" She used Stone Wind to stitch up her wounds. She looked around and asked, "Eh? E.E.? Where did she go? E.E.? No… Where is she? This can't be happening…"

Buttercup shot out a spirit, but it was…

"BUTTERCUP!"

"No… Don't worry, Krystle…" E.E. spoke, as it was fading away, "This is not what you think… Buttercup's alright… and she saved the disc for you… Azusa Nakano's disc…"

Krystle whispered, "No… E.E., you can't… Was that you? Did you do all this…"

"I think what I was most afraid of… was having to leave my friends behind, without having the chance to say goodbye about it… but when the end finally came, I found the strength and courage to do so… Krystle, when Buttercup comes to… Tell her this. Your body is yours alone. I patched and healed her wounds with your intelligence and your potent life force."

"HEY, WAIT A MINUTE!" Krystle cried, "What the hell are you talking about? No, E.E.! WAIT!"

"Goodbye, Krystle… My time here is done… The one you know as E.E. will soon be gone…"

"What are you telling me? This is crazy! I don't believe you!"

E.E. said, as she was flying away, "Krystle, it's alright. What you see right now is me… This is my intellect… My soul… And it's proof I was alive."

Krystle pleaded, "NO! Come back! I'm gonna get your disc back; E.E.'s disc! Back from that priest! No matter what! I promise you! You'll come back to life and stay here!"

E.E. said, "No… that'll be a different E.E. The me you know won't be in there. This is the true me… I came to say goodbye. I couldn't have left you, without saying that. Krystle… It's gonna be okay. That's my promise to you… I'm glad you got the disc back."

The wind blew, and E.E. vanished completely. She was gone. Krystle sobbed, as she was on her knees, "E.E. … … …"

[E.E.: DECEASED]

The species known as E.E. was gone completely. And she found itself new life and intellect. Its last heroic wish was to stop Ritsu Tainaka… but was it already too late?

Moments later, Farra & Steven were able to relocate the others. Buttercup was stretchered off, as Krystle was escorted by The Gang. They were unable to find E.E., as she was gone.

Farra said, "It's alright, Krystle…" She held her arm, "E.E. is in a better place…"

Steven said, "Well, on the plus side, we got Azusa's disc back, somehow…"

Farra stated, "Well, now what? We done all we can, except…"

Krystle smiled, "It's alright. You guys did alright for me. Now I hope my brother returns, and I hope to whip Pale Snake's ass."

Steven said, "Good. Now, what's next for the job?"

"HOLD IT!" A soiree of guards appeared, as they aimed at Krystle. Farra gasped, "We die…"

"FE40536, you're in big trouble now!" One of the guards roared, "Escaping Punishment Ward and causing all this? And don't think we want to hear it from those two freelancers! YOU TWO were in cahoots with her, weren't you?"

Steven barked, "We are not! We were following orders! And even if we did, you wouldn't believe us!"

Farra stated, "Blame the problems you have for this jail! Now, granted, FE40536 did escape, but only because of what happened in the Punishment Ward! But that doesn't mean you assholes can blame us, because we may know what goes on!"

The lead guard yelled, "OH? Well… Then enlighten me! What did happen?"

They stammered, as the guard nodded, "As I thought. You have NOTHING TO PROVE! FE40536 will be incarcerated to Level 4 Security Cell! As for you two, you're under arrest! For your sentence, you will indefinitely remain in solitary confinement, for the rest of your unnatural lives!"

Farra cried, "WHAT DID WE DO?"

"You were assigned to protect FE40536! But I say you were working together to set her free! That's punishable by law, and you're busted! MEN! CUFF THESE IDIOTS AND FE40536, AT ONCE!"

"YOU WILL DO NO SUCH THING!" A female voice boomed out. The guards gasped, as Farra and Steven turned to their left. It was Venus Otomegawa, dressed in white. She stepped out of her limousine and called out, "ALL GUARDS IN ST. DOLPHIN! This is an order from your leader of the World Government!"

The guards prepared, as Venus called, "Let her go."

The guards cried, "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?"

Farra asked, "M-M-M-Miss Venus?!"

Steven asked, "Ma'am, what are you saying?"

Venus replied, "It's this way… The trial is over for the pardons of Krystle Giese, Jace Brighton, and Kim Cheonsa." She smiled, "They are free to go."

Krystle was shocked, as she whispered, "I'm… I'm free?"

Farra asked, "Hold on… Are you saying…"

Venus nodded, "Krystle Giese, Jason Brighton, AND Kim Cheonsa are given a full pardon! As of now, they are free!"

The guards stood down, as they were shocked. Krystle asked, "Wait… What happened? The trial?" She thought, "Shit! I was too busy hunting for the bone, I forgot about asking about the trial!"

Venus said, "I'll explain, when we get there. For now, Agents Cooke and Stevens, you are relieved of your duties as guards in St. Dolphin. As of now, the custody of the three pardoned criminals are in your protection… until different. And as for every single one of you guards… Due to further rulings of this behavior of the prison, you're all fired!"

The guards were all stunned and shocked, as Venus cried, "AND IF ANYONE TRIES TO SHOOT AT ME, ANY ONE AT ALL! THERE WILL BE CONSEQUENCES!"

The guards all dropped their guns, as Venus chuckled, "Good… Common thugs like you deserve a place… in the unemployment line. Last thing I want is corruption! Disperse now!"

Krystle was happy, as she said, "Wow… Jace and Kim, they're free… and me, too… My god… But… What about Ritsu? The priest… That asshole is let out, scot-free… but…"

Krystle asked, "So, we leave now?" Venus said, "Yes. Where are the others?"

Steven said, "Brighton's in medical ward, while Cheonsa… uh…" he asked, "Wait… Where is Kim Cheonsa?"

One guard asked, "Wait… The Cheonsa girl? We heard that she was arrested for assault and battery, and her behavioral disputes!"

Farra asked, "Who arrested her?"

The second guard said, "Her father… Kang Cheonsa."

They gasped, as Krystle cried, "Oh, no… Kim Cheonsa never comes out… even in Dream High." She dashed off, as Farra cried, "KRYSTLE!"

She called out, "I'll find Kim! You guys get Jace! And I'll meet you at the entrance!"

Venus waved, "Okay, but hurry back! This place is filthy…"

One of the guards said, "She needs help… If Miss Venus would let us, she'll rehire us, if we help her!"

"I HEARD THAT!" Venus boomed, "But make haste! GIVE THEM THE GOOD NEWS!"

Farra said to Steven, "Come on, we'll get Jace Brighton."

They went to find Jace, as Krystle and a few guards went to look for Kim. A miracle was made in St. Dolphin. Despite the chaos that ensued, Krystle Giese, Jason Brighton, and Kim Cheonsa are free, fully pardoned.
Trouble was… Where the hell did Kim Cheonsa go?

At Obnubi, Percival and Asahi replaced the Bodhi Waves from within Zina's body, and she started to move again. She moaned, "Oh, where am I?"

Percival said, "We saved you… You were attacked…"

Zina smiled, "Oh, thank god… Sakurai, Gaynes, my thanks to you… But where's Cy?"

Percival said, "Well, the upgrades we made are–."

"Hewe I am, Onii-chan!" Cy appeared, as she was still small. Asahi gasped, "Cy?!"

Cy smiled, "Asahi! Hewwo!" She hugged her and giggled, "You and Onii-chan were gweat! Wuddai miss?"

Percival asked, "Uhhh… Did Cy–?"

"I see the updates and upgrades were made. Cy, I hope you and Mr. Gaynes will work together."

"Hm! Weave it to your twusty android, Cy!" She saluted, as Percival nodded, but was utterly confused.

Asahi said, "It's best this way… She's perfect the way she is." She offered, "Anyways, if any extra bodhi waves, please notify me, if you would like to hunt us down some."

"I will… Hopefully, Miss Kazamatsuri's evil will be purged, along with Euphoria." Zina said, "You have Obnubi's trust in you. I know you're freelance, but…"

Asahi said, "It's fine. We have very little time left…"

They shook hands, as Zina said, "Thank you, you two."

Afterwards, they left Obnubi, in their car, as Cy was driving. Asahi asked, "Wait… There's just one thing that bothers me… If that's Cy, then who was that adult Cy?"

Percival said, "Must be one of Cy's rejected bodies."

Cy said, "Naw… Iz one of my adult bodies, under weview. Iz still in pwototype phase…"

Percival stated, "Well, we're happy to have you, instead of an adult Cy… for now. Anyways, we head back to New York, and tell everything to the rest."

Asahi smiled, "I hope so… Farra & Steven haven't returned yet."

As they departed, inside a room, the adult Cy appeared, as she smiled at the departing car.

"Goodbye… Percival… and thank you…" She placed her hands on her chest. Her reflection showed an image of Eri, Percival's former android assistant. Eri helped Percival out, in spirit.

Things were back to normal, but… it was far from over. Did Ritsu actually achieve part of her goal? And what new plans does Oka & Hotaru have planned for The Gang?

Episode 12 – The End

Farra arrived at the medical ward. "Jason Brighton?"

Jace asked, as he was sitting in his chair, "Oh, it's you. Farra, right?"

Farra said, "Get dressed. You're free to go."

"HUH?"

"You got shit in your ears? Lady Venus pardoned you!" Farra stated, "You, Krystle, and Kim are free to go."

Jace sat up gingerly and said, "I came here for one thing… and Jace Be not leaving, without it…" He asked, "You're going after the priest, are you?"

Farra asked, "Hm? Who told you that?"

"Buttercup did… She saw everything… and after E.E. sacrificed everything. She chose to stay here… but since I'm free, I'll do it for her and E.E."

"Brighton, I want to know…" Farra asked, "Who is Pale Snake?"

Jace stated, "I told you… The priest, Father Ritsu."

Farra pondered and was stunned. She whispered, "Son of a bitch…"

She texted the others, as Jace asked, "What about Kim? Does she come with me?"

"Naturally…" Farra stated, "Do you know Kim Cheonsa?"

"I do. She's my girlfriend."

"Congratulations…" Farra snarked sarcastically. She paused, as she dropped her phone. She shrieked, "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?"

As we come to a close on this chapter, next time, we cover the entire Pardoning. Plus, Krystle gets to locate Kim, before it's too late, before they can go home.
And what sort of plans does Ritsu Tainaka have, now that she has accomplished much?

To be continued…