Stars Under Playtime Co

by Gale-Dragon

It's been 16 years since Deathmask was at Playtime Co... And 15 years since everyone there disappeared w/o a trace. Despite his resolve to forget, he never could. Deathmask knew he couldn't. And when The Underworld needs information about that place. Well, Deathmask is going to have to return to Playtime Co. and face his past and find the answers to the secrets Playtime Co. kept.

Stars Under Playtime Co. Chapter 1.

~}I{~

Deathmask yawned as he plated the food. Normally, he would've brushed this off as being up earlier than he usually did, but he knew the truth...

"Woah! Careful!" Milo shouted as he managed to catch the food from falling on the floor with a plate. The food landed with a plop. Milo let out a breath as he stood up straight, placed the plate on the counter, looked at the Cancer Saint, and asked, "Are you sure you're okay? You don't normally miss a plate by that much."

Deathmask let out a growl before he snapped, "What are you talking about?!"

Milo pointed at the other's position and where the plates actually were.

Deathmask glanced at where the Scorpio Saint was pointing and realised his error. Aggravated, he pinched the bridge of his nose and grumbled out, "Damn it."

Milo raised a brow when he asked, "Deathmask, are you... Getting enough sleep?"

Deathmask shook his head to shake off his drowsiness when he got out, "I'm fine... Just been having some unpleasant dreams, that's all." He went back to plating the food when he added, "Let's get this done so we can eat. We got brats to teach."

Milo complied when he said in an unsure tone, "Um, not to point out the obvious, but you don't have a student..."

Deathmask couldn't help but grumbled out, "I have to look after them too, unfortunately." He started putting the full plates on a food trolly when he added, "Besides, isn't your brat's big day next week or something?"

Milo followed the Cancer Saint's lead when he said, "Her birthday is in two weeks, and she'll be officially an Amazon." He pushed the food truly into the common room when he added, "The mask-maker is already working on her mask as we speak..."

Deathmask let out a yawn as he pushed his food trolly, either not caring about what the other said or didn't hear him.

Soon enough all the Gold Saints and their students were sitting at the long dining room table, eating breakfast.

}I{

The Gold Saints who had students were training them right now.

Camus was showing Hyouga a new ice technique.

Aioria was showing Seiya how to use a bow and arrow.

Dohko was moving Sharyu's arm into the proper positions to hold a spear-sword, explaining as he did.

Shaka was meditating with Shun.

Aioros was currently arguing with Ikki about how he should aim his attacks.

Mu was overseeing Kiki as he tried summoning a Crystal Wall.

Milo was sparring with Amaryllis or Ammy (1), to help hone her Scarlet Needle.

Deathmask was laying on his side as he watched the display. He let out another yawn before he rolled onto his back and closed his eyes. He figured a nap would help with his dizziness. The next thing Deathmask realised, he fell asleep.

}{

Deathmask knew he was dreaming,

After all, it's been decades since he had a child's body, and has last been here...

Deathmask hugged his purple cat plushie/pack when he mumbled out, "Not again..." The plushie was almost 3/4th his 7-year-old body and that didn't include the length of the tail, that was wrapped around its waist to prevent it from being dragged, pure black beady eyes, a golden crescent moon tag hung from its neck, straps that connected the hands to the feet to make it look like a pack, and had a black zipper for a mouth that was made to look like it was smiling.

"What is your attachment to this... Place?" A voice that sounded oddly familiar to the Cancer Saint.

Deathmask turned to see Hypnos sitting on one of the swings. The Cancer Saint clicked his tongue before he got out bitterly, "Of course, you'd be behind this crap!"

Hypnos didn't seem affected by the tone. All the God of Sleep and Dreams did was motion for the mortal to sit on the unoccupied swing next to him and said simply, "Maybe at first, but now I only want answers to this particular dream location."

Deathmask glared at the golden-haired God when he growled out, "Doesn't this break the treaty that Athena has with Posioden and Hades?"

Hypnos only smirked as he repeated the 'sit here' motion when he said, "Only if I'm doing something that would harm you. All I did originally was to… Tease all you Goldies from time to time. But this place has a rather strange mixture of energy signatures to you. How come little Cancer?"

Deathmask clicked his tongue as he looked away from the Deity and grumbled out, "Why do you even care? This place is long gone…" He hugged the cat plushie/pack close to his body subconsciously.

Hypnos noticed this action but said nothing about it when he stated, "And yet you keep a copy of it in your dreamscape. Even though the negative auras outweigh the good."

Deathmask angrily snapped at the Dream God, "It's none of your business!"

}{

A sudden splash of water to the face woke Deathmask up. At least, he hoped it was water.

"Now that you're awake," Aphrodite stated as he waved a now empty glass in his hand. The Pisces Saint folded his arms when he stated sternly, "You're coming with me to my temple to help with the plants. The non-deadly ones, of course."

Deathmask rubbed the water off of his face when he grumbled out, "Yeah, yeah, I get it." He then moved into a sitting position before he stood up. Deathmask let out a yawn as he and the Pisces Saint made their way towards the 12th temple.

~}I{ That Evening }I{~

Aldebaran divided the mail according to the recipient with his lips in a frown. There wasn't much today, but that only made what was missing stand out even more. Aldebaran gathered everything up before heading to the common area for the Gold Saints.

As the Taurus Saint handed each of the assigned packages, Milo asked him, "Anything for..."

Aldebaran shook his head when he said, "No… Have you heard anything new from his workplace?"

Milo closed his eyes and shook his head when he said, "No… Even after the co-worker who checked his apartment building unit couldn't find any trace of him or where he could've gone... The local police aren't getting involved..."

Aioros let out a growl when he got out, "Seriously? It's been close to four months since anyone heard from Aciano!"

Aioria glanced at the entryway when he said cautiously, "True, and he's not one to cut contact with anyone without a major reason..." He looked at the other Gold Saints when he added, "Plus there is no way he would do that to his daughter…"

Mu placed his cup of tea on the table in front of him when he said, "If I recall correctly… Aciano couldn't go three days without calling Ammy, or at least leave some kind of message for her,"

Camus placed a hand on Milo's when he continued the sentence, "Yet no one had heard or seen him for those four months… That should be a red flag for the Police at least," He looked at the Scorpio Saint when he said, "Maybe call Aciano's co-workers again, to see if any progress has been made."

Milo somewhat squeezed Camus hand when he replied, "It should be day there… So I'll call them now..." He got up from his seat to do just that.

The others glanced at each other at this. They couldn't blame their Scorpio friend for his actions, but the strangeness of the missing father was unusual.

}{ That Night }{

Deathmask was sleeping in his bed. Comfortably under the covers as he laid on his side.

}{ Deathmask's Dream }{

"Why are you so obsessed with this place?" A Deathmask in his 7-year-old body snapped at the God of Dreams.

Everything was where they left off during this afternoon's nap/conversation.

Hypnos was sitting on the swing, same one as before. He stared at the Cancer Saint when he stated, "This is a real place is it not? Yet neither I nor my brother have been able to sense anything from it."

Deathmask raised a brow when he questioned, "Wait? 'Is a real place'? You mean... The building is still standing?" He clutched the cat plushie/pack close to his body.

Hypnos raised a brow at the comment before he asked, "You haven't been keeping track of it? Despite it being such an integral part of your childhood?"

Deathmask growled when he retorted, "I've been trying to forget about that place! Especially after I heard about…"

"The disappearances of the employees of Playtime Co. 15 years ago," Hypnos interrupted yet finishing the sentence. He stared at the Cancer Saint when he stated, "Do you know anything about that?"

Deathmask glared at the God of sleep and Dreams when replied in annoyance, "As much as anyone who read about it in the paper. By then I've been out of that place for nearly a year..." He looked away at that last bit as he hugged the cat plushie/pack.

Hypnos stared at the Cancer Saint for a few seconds before he waved a hand, causing the Dreamscape to change slightly. The next thing Deaskmask knew he was sitting in the swing next to the God of Sleep. Before the Cancer Saint could protest, Hypnos stated, "Yet you have some guilt about Playtime Co. despite that."

Deathmask clenched the cat plushie/Pack even closer when he mumbled, "... I was one… Of the… Kids who... Used to go there…"

Hypnos looked up to see shadows of children playing on the colourful playground structures of the rather bright indoor area. The sleep God tilted his head to the side when he commented, "I'm aware that Playtime Co. was a toy factory, but what do they have to do with your guilt and that place?"

Deathmask rested his chin on his cat Plushie/pack's head when he explained, "Playtime Co. had this on-site child-care place for their employees' kids to play while they worked… Playtime Co. also had an on-site orphanage… So there were easily hundreds of kids there every day or so..." He took a deep breath before he stated, "When the disappearance happened, they only talked about the employees and the staff… Not once did anyone mention the orphans or any children who were there that day... Like that… They didn't exist,"

Hypnos closed his golden eyes when he said, "So that's why you've kept this in your Dreamscape and carried the guilt… You were able to get away and knew that there were more victims that you couldn't prove..."

Deathmask let out a dry scoff when he stated, "Yeah, well, who's going to take the word of a brat with no past and wouldn't want to talk about it..."

Hypnos couldn't help but comment, "You didn't want to go back? Makes sense."

Deathmask clicked his tongue when he retorted, "No, I didn't want to deal with that dick of an uncle of mine. He's the one I hope died during that incident." He hugged the cat plushie/pack when he got out, "He pretty much abandoned me at the child-care section… Then I ended up at Playtime Co.'s orphanage."

Hypnos glanced at the shrunken Cancer Saint when he said, "So… That's another reason why you wanted to forget..."

Deathmask looked up at the Sleep God when he questioned seriously, "So why did you want to know about this place? It's none of your business or Thanos."

Hypnos kept his eyes on the Cancer Saint when he stated with a small smile, "I was just doing a favour for Thanos, that's all."

Deathmask still didn't get this.

}{

The Cancer Saint awoke with a jolt. It took him a few seconds to recall what his dream was and grumbled out a series of curses under his breath. Deathmask bit his lips before he got out of bed and went to a hanging picture of a Hyan'na mask.

He carefully removed the frame off of the wall and gently placed it on the ground, letting it lean against the wall. Deathmask's eyes were on the wall safe as he keyed in the 6-digit code on the pad to open it. With a soft click, the safe unlocked. Deathmask swung the metal door open and let out a breath of relief at what he saw. The Cancer Saint carefully pulled out a purple cat plushie with black button eyes, a silver zipper for a smiling mouth, a golden crescent moon tag hung from its neck, straps that connected the hands to the feet like a pair of pack straps, and a tail that was almost the same length as the cat's body. The cat plushie/pack looked a lot more worn than the one in Deathmask's dream and smaller, but then again, the Cancer Saint got bigger as he grew up...

Deathmask carefully removed the straps before he held the cat plushie/pack in his left arm as he closed and locked the safe before managing to hang the Han'nya mask frame back in place. It was a little crooked, but it'll do for now. Deathmask hugged the cat plushie close as he walked back to his bed. The Cancer Saint tucked himself under the covers as he stared at the smiling toy for a few seconds before closing his eyes.

It was unbecoming of someone like him to still have this kind of toy at his age… But there was no way he could get rid of it... He couldn't bring himself to do it... Especially since...

Deathmask hugged the plushie/pack close as he drifted back to sleep.

~}I{~

A week passed by without much incident. Except for one thing…

Milo stood in front of the main landline of Sanctuary, tapping on the desk the phone was perched on as he listened to the person on the other end of the call via the receiver. The Scorpio Saint's lips pressed into a line when he replied, "And that still wasn't enough to make the police act?"

Milo listened to the response with a frown before he stated, "Listen, Ammy's birthday is next week and everyone in your workplace and here knows that Aciano wouldn't miss it..." He waited and listened to the other's response with a grim expression before he replied, "Yeah, He would have to be… I'll… I'll let you know if he shows or not..." Milo nodded and bid the person on the call a good-bye before he placed the receiver back in place. The Scorpio Saint pinched the bridge of his nose with a sigh.

Milo suddenly felt a pair of arms wrapping around his midsection from behind. The Scorpio Saint recognised those hands and leaned back into the embrace when he asked, "How much of that did you hear, Camus?"

The Aquarius Saint nuzzled his face into the other's right shoulder when he said, "Enough to know if Aciano shows or not there will be a strong reaction from Ammy..." Camus tightened his hug on the Scorpio Saint when he added, "But either will spark something we don't want..."

Milo nodded when he said with a sigh, "If he doesn't show… I go with Aphrodite to the Underworld and talk to Minos,"

Camus raised a brow when he asked inconfusion, "Why Aphrodite? He's most likely to start something even with the Treaty."

Milo shrugged when he replied, "No clue, Minos was the one who requested that the Pisces Saint should be present whenever there is a need for his title." He turned to look at the Aquarius Saint without breaking the connection between them when he added, "I know Aphrodite promised not to start anything during those, but still."

Camus raised a brow at this before he said, "Rather odd, but I guess it could be worse." He gently pulled the other away from the landline when he added, "But come, Hyouga and Ammy have something to show us."

Milo couldn't help but smile as he was led out of the room.

~}I{~

Deathmask let out a groan as he ran a hand over his face. He was currently laying on Aphrodite's bed, wearing his nightclothes. Deathmask was getting annoyed with Hypnos popping in his dreams every other night or so, sometimes more. Granted, he wasn't doing anything outside annoying the Cancer Saint with all those questions about his time in Playtime Co.

Seriously! What was the God of Sleep's fascination with that place?

Aphrodite snapped the Cancer Saint's thoughts when he walked in, wearing a pair of sky blue silk nightclothes, when he asked, "Are you actually going to sleep or grumble the whole night?" He had a flora-designed pack hanging off his shoulder.

Deathmask glanced at the Pisces Saint when he got out in a tired tone, "Sorry, just annoyed that a certain so-called God keeps pestering me for some reason… Idiot wouldn't tell me why he's so obsessed with that place." He let out a yawn as he rubbed his eyes. The Cancer Saint wanted to sleep but he didn't want to deal with Hypnos.

Aphrodite rummaged through the bag he had when he said, "Well, I have something that will help with that~."

Deathmask let out a sigh before he stated, "Unless you're fine with doing everything yourself, I'm honestly not in a mood…"

The next thing the Cancer Saint knew, a familiar purple cat plushie with a zipper smile was in front of him and the Pisces Saint saying chipperly, "Rude of you to say that in front of Night-Light~."

Deathmask bolted upright, nearly knocking into the plushie/pack if Aphrodite hadn't pulled it away in time. The Cancer Saint stared at the aquamarine-haired man when he got out in disbelief and shock, "The hell?! Why would you bring him here?!"

Aphrodite plastered on a mock insulted look when he said, waving the cat plushie/pack as he did, "Excuse you, I was trying to be thoughtful and bring you your second favourite sleeping buddy."

"Second favourite sleeping buddy?" Deathmask got out in a raised brow.

Aphrodite flipped his hair, batted his eyes, and said, "Obviously, I'm your number one."

Deathmask rolled his eyes with a scoff before he snatched the cat plushie/pack out of the other's hand. Aphrodite didn't bother moving the toy out of reach when the Cancer Saint snapped, "You wish!" Deathmask let out a breath as he plopped the plushie/pack next to him, then looked at the Pisces Saint and asked, "Did you put everything back in place?"

Aphrodite nodded as he got into the bed and said, "Of course, can't have anyone stumble on it and find your little Night-Light." He smiled as he poked the cat plushie/pack's cheek and added, "Besides, he's too cute to share~."

Deathmask took the toy as he tucked himself and Aphrodite in when he grumbled, "Don't make me regret showing you Night-Light."

Aphrodite giggled when he said, "And break your trust? Not a chance." He looked at Deathmask when he asked seriously, "But in all honesty, why is Hypnos pestering you about that place?"

Deathmask rested his head on the pillow when he stated, "No clue, and the dick keeps side-stepping that question when I ask and it's irritating." He held the purple cat toy close.

Aphrodite snuggled closer as he wrapped an arm around the other's waist and said, "Tell him that you aren't giving him any more information until you know why he's interested in that place."

Deathmask let out a snort when he replied, "Already did. He's getting around that by digging through what he can in my dreamscape, but he's limited since he needs my permission to get into my memories." He leaned into the embrace with a soft sigh.

Aphrodite smiled when he said, "At least he knows it."

Soon, the two Gold Saints drifted off to sleep.

~}I{~

The day started out pleasant enough, given the fact that it was Ammy's birthday, but as the day wore on... It became painfully clear that the student of the Scorpio Saint kept looking around for one person in particular, but couldn't find him... By the time the mask maker presented Ammy with her Amazon Mask and she put it on, it became clear that her father wouldn't be coming... At all...

}{

Milo was by the main landline, punching in the newly memorised number. He placed the reliever to his ear and waited for the other end to pick up. Once someone did, Milo sucked in a breath and said into the phone, "It's me. He didn't show... Inform the police and make sure they actually start an investigation."

Camus and Hyuga watched the Scorpio Saint from a short distance away with worried looks.

}I{ The Next Day }I{

As Milo and Aphrodite headed towards the Underworld for an audience with Minos, the rest of the Saints tried to focus on the day. Keyword; tried.

Ammy was getting used to wearing the Amazon mask, but it seemed clear to everyone else that she was still upset that her father didn't show up as he promised.

No one could blame her... They knew how close she was with her dad despite their current living arrangement. The guy did his best despite the distance, which the Saints had to admire. However, that did make the complete lack of contact for four months and the no-show on his daughter's birthday even more out of character.

The only reason anyone could think Aciano wouldn't contact Ammy was that he was dead.

}{

The trek to the Hall of Judgment wasn't too bad. Yeah, sure, they had to take the boat over the River Styx and pay the toll of a silver coin, but overall it wasn't that bad.

Milo and Aphrodite made sure to have enough silver coins for the trip back, so that was something they didn't have to worry about.

The Pisces Saint let out a huff when he got out in annoyance, "I know that my looks can attract all kinds of attention, but it is almost selfish of Minos to always want me around." He then took a drink of water from the reusable bottle he brought along.

Milo let out a hum as they climbed the stairs and said, "Maybe you can ask Minos after this meeting. He might give you an answer or at least a hint." He let out a breath as they came to the top of the steps and walked into the Hall of Judgment.

Minos was in the Judge's seat, going over the judgments of the recent arrivals to make sure that everything was in order. He glanced up when he heard footsteps. Minos's attention was back on the Soul Ledger when he told the two Gold Saints, "Give me no more than two minutes. We had a few unruly souls cause some unneeded drama and that took time to sort out, so I'm a little behind on making sure everything is in order." He turned a page and scanned it, completely focused on his task.

Milo and Aphrodite looked at each other before shrugging and moving to the side of the Hall. Both pulled out books to read, that they brought along for the ferry rides, and waited.

After a minute and a half, Minos closed the ledger and took a sip of water. He looked over at the Gold Saints, unsure if he should be impressed or annoyed, and said, "Okay, What is your request, Scorpio Milo?"

The two books marked their place before they moved to stand in front of the Judge's stand. Milo then explained the situation with Aciano and requested to know if he was dead and how he died.

Minos was a bit confused by this, since the guy wasn't a Saint and his occupation as a building inspector wouldn't put him in any danger. So, of course, Minos asked about the connection to the guy.

Milo let out a sigh before he said, "He's my student's father. One who never went more than three days without some contact with her."

Minos placed a hand on his chin when he asked, "So the fact that he's been non-communicate for four months is completely out of character for him,"

Aphrodite couldn't help but add, "Not to mention that he missed his daughter's birthday, something he would never do unless he was dead." He examined the rose he had in hand when he said, "No one has seen the rather reliable guy for four months, therefore, he has to be here."

Minos tapped his chin before he opened the Soul Ledger and stated, "I'll check to see if he died. If he is, I'll tell you when, how, and where to find his body. If not, that's all the information you're getting, per the Rules of the Underworld."

"That's fine," Milo stated before he gave the judge of the Underworld Aciano's full name.

Minos pulled a feathered pen and wrote the name down in the search section of the ledger. When he pulled the pen away and placed it next to the book, the pages flew from one side of the ledger to the other until it stopped somewhere in the middle. Minos then ran a finger down the list of similar names and asked where Aciano lived. Once he had that information, he found the name. Minos tapped on the line when he said, "He is dead... Hm, looks like he died the same day all communication stopped with him..."

Milo couldn't help but get out, "I figured as much…" His gaze lowered at these words. This only confirmed what he suspected, but it did little to comfort him.

Aphrodite looked up at the judge and asked, "How and where did he die?"

Minos scanned the line for that information. "Not collected?" He mumbled before he looked over the rest of the information. Minos came to one section that made him go stiff.

Milo raised a brow when he asked, "What does 'Not collected' mean?"

Aphrodite rolled his eyes when he stated, "Kind of obvious." Then poked the other Gold Saint with the rose he had in hand.

Milo batted the flower away when he retorted, "I was asking how it relates to the current situation." He then noticed the judge's stiff posture and asked, "Hey, Minos, you... Okay?"

The Judge's attention was on the two Gold Saints when he snapped sternly, "Wait right here!" Before he bolted further into the Hall, leaving the two Athena Knights standing there, confused. Milo and Aphrodite looked at each other, both unsure about what had just happened.

The Pisces Saint pointed at the Soul Ledger and asked, "Should we check it to see what that reaction was about?"

Milo folded his arms when he stated sternly, "You don't know how that works and the last thing we need is you being indebted to a Spector for doing something stupid."

Aphrodite frowned at those words before thinking about the whole thing for a bit. He scoffed as he tucked the rose behind his ear and stated, "Fine! It's not worth the trouble anyway."

Milo rolled his eyes at the other's words before he stared at where Minos bolted down, still wondering what happened and how it related to Aciano's disappearance.

Roughly ten minutes later, Minos returned... With Thanos close behind him...

The two Gold Saints glanced at each other, silently asking the other if they were seeing the same thing they were.

The God of Death waved a hand and a table with three chairs appeared, right between Thanos and the Gold Saints.

Both Milo and Aphrodite were confused by this as Thanos sat in the chair across the two chairs. The Death God motioned for the Gold Saints to sit when he said, "Please stay for a while longer. I have a few questions for you."

"Why?" was the unanimous response from both Gold Saints.

Milo then asked, "And what does this have to do with Aciano?"

Thanos repeated the motion when he replied, "It has to do with why his soul hasn't been brought to the Underworld."

The two Gold Saints were still confused but sat in the chairs anyway while Minos stood nearby. After all, this was the God of Death, there wasn't much of a choice.

}I{

Deathmask could feel something off, but he couldn't figure out what it was...

The Cancer Saint looked around the area as some of the children gathered around Aldebaran, who was smiling happily. The Taurus Saint was rather good with kids. Aioria and Aioros were nearby watching with smiles as Shura acted as an unwilling guard, though the Capricorn Saint didn't seem to mind too much. Of course, Kiki was happily playing with the other children.

Maybe it was the fact that there were so many children around that made Deathmask more on alert. But... The Cancer Saint glanced at the happy gaggle of children and a memory flashed through his mind... One of a group of kids surrounding a giant pink... Deathmask shook the memory away and folded his arms, just in time to see Camus and the Twins coming into view.

The Cancer Saint waved the Aquarius Saint over. When he walked over, Deathmask asked the other in a hushed tone, "How long are Milo and Dite going to be in the Underworld?"

Camus shrugged when he replied softly, "It shouldn't be taking them this long, Not for the type of request," He took note of the Cancer Saint glancing around when he asked, "Are you expecting something?"

Deathmask clicked his tongue before he stated, "No, but I just sense something in the air..."

Camus raised a brow at this.

}{

Mu was standing guard at his post in front of the Temple of the Ram. Aside from the children, there was only one other person who the Aries Saint was expecting. Or rather, a Spector, who should hopefully be on their best behaviour. Mu thought back to the odd request from Hades and wondered why he needed one of the Gold Saints' help... And for what...

The Aries Saint was quick to sense a familiar Cosmo and was rather surprised by which Spector was coming. Mu folded his arms in front of his chest as the Spector approached the First Temple and stated, "Of all the Spectors in Hades' army, I did not expect you to be the one chosen for this task."

Radamanthys scoffed as he folded his arm over his unarmored chest when he got out, "I didn't want to but Lord Hades insisted I'd do this," He was wearing casual clothing and no armour. However...

Mu raised a brow at the Judge's appearance when he asked, "Who recommended..." He indicated the other's clothing while keeping his arms folded and continued, "This outfit?"

Radamanthys's current wardrobe consisted of a blazing red short- sleeved shirt, a cyan blue vest with yellow sunflowers decorating it, black slacks that had false tares around the outer thighs, knees, and caves, and wore a pair of black ankle boots. The top half clashed with the bottom...

The Judge looked himself over when he stated in annoyance, "Isn't this what is worn in this area of the Living world?"

Mu gave him a deadpan look when he retorted flatly, "Did you see anyone else wearing something similar to that? Or even notice all the looks you were getting on the way here?"

Now that Radamanthys thought about it... The Underworld Judge's face turned red before swearing and cursing under his breath.

Mu couldn't suppress a snicker at the reaction as he thought, 'The others are going to have a field day with this.'

Radamathys glared at the Aries Saint and snapped, "Shut up!"

Mu composed himself when he replied, "You're going to have to get used to it because some of the other Gold Saints aren't going to be as 'polite' as I."

Oh, that made the Underworld Judge's stomach drop.

Mu motioned for the other to follow when he stated, "Let's get this out of the way so you can return to the Underworld to sulk."

As they started walking, Radamanthys clicked his tongue before he sheathed out, "I thought you were one of the 'Nicer' Goldies."

Mu didn't look back nor change his tone when he stated, "I am, but again, expect worse from the others."

Radamanthys ground his teeth as he followed the Aries when he thought, 'I'm going to give Queen a piece of my mind when I get back!' He folded his arms with a huff.

}{ About Five Minutes Later }{

Thankfully for Radamanthys, the kids left a different way so he didn't have to deal with them. However... He wasn't so lucky in regards to the Gold Saints… Or the Aries Saint's apparent hyperactive student...

The Underworld Judge ground his teeth before he snapped at the Strongest of Athena's Saints, "Will you all stop laughing! I'm here on an important matter!"

Deathmask, Shura, Saga, Kanon, Aioria, and Kiki continued to laugh as Aldebaran, Camus, Aioros, and Dohko managed to control themselves. Mu looked at Radamanthys with a 'told you so' look.

The Underworld Judge folded his arms with an annoyed huff as he looked around and noticed that there were three missing Saints. Radamanthys raised a brow and asked, "Where are the Scorpio, the Pisces, and the Virgo?"

Camus raised a brow when he replied, "Shaka is meditating in his Temple while Milo and Aphrodite went to ask Minos something, but they should be on their way back... Didn't he tell you before you left?"

Radamanthys scoffed when he stated, "He never said anything about seeing anyone outside the Hall of Judgment, So I didn't know." He glanced at a still snickering Deathmask when he added, "Besides, Lord Hades and Lord Thanos have questions for the Cancer Saint."

Deathmask raised a brow at this as the other Gold Saints turned their attention to him. The Cancer Saint couldn't help but ask in confusion, "The hell? Why would those two want to ask me questions?"

Radamanthys shrugged with a scoff and stated, "Because it seems like you're the only one who would know anything about Playtime Co. and they need answers."

Deathmask stiffened at the name as the other Gold Saints seemed confused. Aldebaran was the first to ask, "What does a toy company that shut down 15 years ago have to do with Deathmask?"

Radamanthys raised a brow at the Cancer Saint's reaction when he stated, "Apparently, from what Lord Thanos told me, he used to live there for a while," He unfolded his arms when he asked, "How does one live in a toy factory?"

Deathmask folded his arms self-consciously and grumbled out, "What are those idiot Gods' obsession with that place?" Before he turned his back to the Underworld Judge and power walked away from the group.

Radamanthys, the Gold Saints, and Kiki glanced at each other in confusion at this. The Underworld Judge had to ask, "Did I word the question wrong?"

}{ Five Minutes Later }{

Shun was somewhat hiding behind Shaka, who was staring (eyes closed, of course) at the Cancer Saint sitting against a nearby pillar within the Temple of the Maiden.

The Virgo Saint folded his arms when he asked the other Gold Saint, "What are you doing here, Deathmask?"

The Cancer Saint let out a huff before he stated in annoyance, "I want to avoid some unwanted attention."

Shaka raised a brow when he asked, "And how does that relate to you coming to my Temple unannounced?"

Deathmask scoffed when he retorted, "No one would think to find me here."

Shun was confused when he got out, "You're... Hiding from someone?"

Deathmask glared at the Andromeda Saint, who ducked further behind the Virgo Saint. Shaka had a stern expression when he told the Cancer Saint, "There isn't much that would cause you to do that."

Deathmask let out a growl before he stated bitterly, "Don't pry and don't tell anyone I'm here!" He folded his arms and turned away from the two.

Shaka motioned for the younger to follow when he said, "Alright, but on the condition that the temple of the Maiden is the same when we return."

Deathmask grunted out a 'fine' as the two left.

As they walked out, shun couldn't help but ask, "Um, what was that about?"

Shaka replied softly, "I don't pry, but aside from traversing through my Temple, the only time he comes here is usually to clear his head or to calm down. Seems like something or someone aggravated him enough for that." He gave his pupal a 'this doesn't get spoken of afterwards' expression. Shun understood with a nod.

}I{

The longer this questioning went on, the more confused Milo became. He didn't know anything about this Playtime Co. outside the news about the disappearances 15 years ago, and he's sure as hell not sure how this relates to Aciano's death. So, of course, Milo had to ask, "Um, Lord Thanos, what does this Playtime Co. have to do with Aciano?"

Thanos seemed rather serious when he stated, "He died there, yet his Soul hasn't been found nor has any unfortunate enough to venture into the building."

Aphrodite seemed to go pale as Milo raised an eyebrow and asked, "What do you mean?"

~}I{ One Hour Later }I{~

Sanctuary was... Unsure about this... Situation...

Thanos just... Showed up with a confused Milo and an uneasy Aphrodite. Of course, Sienna had to question the God of Death about his presence. Radamanthys was rather surprised by the sudden appearance, but he seemed to understand why he was there.

Camus immediately went over to a still-confused Milo as Aphrodite practically teleported over toward Deathmask. Of course, things were tense, after all the God of Death suddenly appearing isn't usually a good thing.

Although, Thanos had a clear goal in mind and there was no escape for Deathmask this time around...

The Cancer Saint was more than a little aggravated with this runaround. He couldn't stop himself from snapping in anger, "Why are you and your brother so obsessed with that place?!" Aphrodite tried to keep Deathmask from doing anything, but he knew that this issue was a very sour topic for the Cancer Saint.

Thanos folded his arms as he stated, "Playtime Co. seems to be quite a strange spot for us."

Deathmask turned his back to the God of Death when he snapped, "That seems to be more your problem than anything." Aphrodite placed a hand on Deathmask's arm. The Cancer Saint then snapped, "Why don't you pester one of the souls that were at that place instead of hounding me about it."

Thanos narrowed his eyes when he stated sternly, "All who have died within Playtime Co. never arrived in the Underworld."

Deathmask's expression and mood shifted greatly when he turned to look at the God of Death when he asked, "Wait? None of them? Even the ones from 15 years ago?"

Thanos shook his head when he stated, "No soul whose life ended within Playtime Co. has arrived as they should when one dies. Even the recent ones."

Everyone stared at Deathmask when he got out, "They... They haven't? Not even the other children?"

Thanos raised a brow when he parroted in confusion, "Other children?" The God of Death then stated in realisation, "Ah, right, Hypnos mentioned there were children involved, but I'm still not sure how."

Deathmask realised his slip-up and withdrew into himself as he pulled away. Aphrodite managed to keep him grounded enough to be aware of the others around.

Thanos told Radamanthys to contact Minos and tell him to look at all the names of the souls that had any connection to Playtime Co. The Underworld Judge did just that.

The other Gold Saints and the students looked over at Deathmask and Aphrodite, more the Cancer than the Pisces.

}I{ That Night }I{

Deathmask was now more annoyed than aggravated. The Cancer Saint couldn't help but snapped as he glared at some of the other Gold Saints as they readied some sleeping bags, "Why are you bastards suddenly interested in a sleepover?!"

Saga flopped onto his sleeping bag when he stated, "Clearly the Gods of the Underworld seem interested in that Playtime Co. and you seem to be the only one who can give any answers whether you want to or not…" He glances up at the Cancer Saint when he adds, "Some of us figure that we keep you company to help you calm down a little."

Deathmask glanced away when Aldebaran stated, "I still find it a little weird that Thanos specifically mentioned that none of the souls from that toy factory went to the Underworld when they died… How can that happen?"

Kanon sat on his sleeping bag, next to his brother, when he said, "My best guess is that that's why they've been pestering Deathmask... There's something going on with that location..."

Aphrodite looked up at Deathmask with a worried look on his face when he asked, "Do you...want to talk about your time at Playtime Co.? Just a little?" The Cancer Saint glared at the Pisces Saint at this. Aphrodite placed a hand on the other's arm when he said, "Maybe it'll make you feel better and take some weight off you."

Deathmask glanced away when he grumbled out, "Doesn't matter… No one's going to believe me," Aphrodite pulled the Cancer Saint onto the bed and hugged him. It eased Deathmask, but not by much. Still, it was needed.

Milo couldn't help but ask, "Deathmask, why do you think we wouldn't believe anything you tell us regarding Playtime Co.?"

Deathmask glanced away when he stated, "I... Was a brat at the time… A lot of my memories of it were... Kind of strange and I don't know if they're because I was seeing things differently at the time or romanticising or exaggerating everything," He somewhat rested his chin on Aphrodite's head.

Aioros yawned before he suggested, "How about we talk about that in the morning. It's getting late and Deathmask seems to have a lot to talk about." Aioria rolled his eyes as he playfully walked his brother over the head. The Leo Saint playfully retaliated by playfully shoving his brother.

It earned a good laugh from the others.

}I{

Radamanthys hated the fact that he wasn't wearing his armour, but it was necessary to blend in and not be threatening. That was important, the Underworld Judge knew. However, there was a reason why he was thankful that Radamanthys didn't have his armour.

It made it easier to move around without being heard.

Radamanthys cautiously took a step into the Temple of the Maiden, keeping his Cosmos hidden and his footsteps light. The last thing he needed was for the Virgo Saint to notice him, and yet... Radamanthys couldn't sense him within this Temple...

The Underworld Judge continued to cautiously walk through the Temple of the Maiden when he thought, 'I know I should be thankful for this, but it's odd that he's not here...' Radamanthys practically let out a breath of relief the moment he exited the temple. The Underworld Judge folded his arms as he focused on the Cosmos of the sleeping Gold Saints. When he did that, he realised why the Temples were missing their respective sign.

Radamanthys couldn't understand why they would gather at the Temple of the Crab, but he figured it was something that they agreed on before his arrival. He took a deep breath before he continued until he came to his targeted location, still keeping his footsteps light and Cosmos hidden on the way.

As much as he didn't understand this whole thing, Radamanthys had his orders and hoped that he could get this over with. He carefully crept into the sleeping chambers of the Temple of the Crab. Radamanthys's eyes scanned the area, to see who was here and how he should navigate through the chamber without stepping on anyone or waking them. He raised a brow as he counted the bodies he could see.

The students weren't here, that was good, but not all the Gold Saints were here... Well given the current space, it made some sense.

'No Virgo or Aries,' Radamanthys noticed before he planned his route to the picture of the Han'nya mask. The Underworld Judge narrowed his eyes at that before he carefully crept in, planning his steps as he did.

Radamanthys's feet gently moved between the floor between the sleeping bags, checking for movements outside of breathing between steps. It was because of this, he quickly noticed that Scorpio and Aquarius were sharing a sleeping bag large enough for both of them. Radamanthys had to blink a few times to make sure he wasn't seeing things. He wasn't.

Radamanthys folded his arms when he thought as he stared at the two, 'I didn't think they'd have that kind of relationship.' He watched as a sleeping Milo nuzzled Camus, who snuggled closer. Radamanthys turned his attention back to his task as he carefully made his way around the sleeping Saints, but paused when he got to Kanon, near his head.

The 2nd Gemini Saint was laying on his right, tucked in his sleeping bag up to his neck, right hand just peeking out from underneath, and breathing softly as one would while they slept. Radamanthys couldn't help but stare at him for a few seconds before he carefully crouched down and gently brushed some of Kanon's bangs out of his face. Why did the Underworld Judge still have this attraction to this Gold Saint?

Suddenly, Kanon sturred, causing Radamanthys to freeze. The 2nd Gemini Saint simply rolled to his left side as his arms came out from under the sleeping bag and rested by his head, still fast asleep. Radamanthys let out a soft breath he didn't know he was holding before he slowly stood up and glanced at the identical face next to Kanon. Saga was sleeping just like his twin brother, except he was laying on his back, head tilted slightly to the left, and his right hand resting on his pillow.

Radamanthys refocused himself as he looked around and continued on his path, as carefully and quietly as possible. Once he was out of the body maze, the Underworld Judge noticed the Cancer Saint's bed had the owner and the Pisces Saint, snuggled close to one another under the blanket. Radamanthys rolled his eyes in an 'I figured as much' manner before he quietly made his way to the Han'nya mask image.

The Underworld Judge stood in front of the framed photo before he reached out with both hands to grip the sides of it and removed it from its spot. He wasn't surprised to see the safe door. After all, it was where Lord Hypnos told him it would be. Radamanthys carefully placed the framed picture on the floor by his feet, leaning it against the wall, before he focused his attention on the keypad of the safe. The Underworld Judge reached his right index finger to the pad when he thought, 'According to Lord Hypnos… The code to this is... "

Radamanthys pressed the numbers in the order he was told. The safe opened with a click. Radamanthys was quick to check on the sleeping Gold Saints. None of them awoke. Radamanthys wasn't sure if he should find it pathetic that they didn't wake or be thankful that he's completing this task without issue… Maybe both? Radamanthys decided to dwell on that later as he carefully opened the safe.

The Underworld Judge raised a brow at what he saw before he reached in and pulled out Night-Light. Radamanthys already knew what he was getting, but actually seeing this… Toy made it sink in as to what it was. He looked over towards the sleeping Cancer Saint with a disbelieving look on his face. Radamanthys bit his lips to prevent himself from laughing as he thought, 'I can't believe that this Cancer Saint still clings to such a ridiculous toy.' He closed the safe softly before he plopped the toy on the ground and placed the Han'nya mask picture back in place. Radamanthys picked the purple cat plushie/pack up before he walked his path around the sleeping Gold Saints when he thought, 'But if this thing could possibly have the answers that the Lords seek, I guess that him holding onto this was a good thing.'

The Underworld Judge crept between the sleeping bags without a sound, thinking that he would be out of here and none would be the wiser. Radamanthys took one step near Kanon's head and suddenly a hand shot out to grip the Underworld Judge's ankle.

Kanon glared up at Radamanthys before he yanked, causing him to lose his footing. As the underworld Judge fell, he was then tackled to the ground by Saga. Radamanthys slammed to the ground on his stomach, forcing the air out of his lungs. Saga moved to sit on Radamanthys's legs as Aldebaran proceeded to sit on his back to keep him in place. Aioria and Aioros practically leapt towards the door to block it. Shura picked up the purple cat toy/bag. Both Milo and Camus got out of their sleeping bag to pin Radamanthys's wrists to the ground. Dohko had already turned the lights on. Both Aphrodite and Deathmask were standing up by the bed.

Shura raised a brow as he held up the purple cat plushie/pack when he asked the other Gold Saints, "What's this supposed to be?"

Aphrodite covered his mouth with his hands as he glanced at the framed Han'nya mask as Deathmask turned bright red.

Radamanthys had no idea how things ended so badly or how he didn't realise that the Gold Saints weren't asleep... This was both embarrassing and a mission failure to the Underworld Judge.

}I{

Well, to say that both Thanos and Randamanthy had some explaining to do was an understatement, and not just to Athena.

Deathmask was currently glaring at the two Underworld beings as he held the purple cat plushie/pack. Given what happened so far, it was a little pointless for the Cancer Saint to try to hide Night-Light and he didn't want those Underworlders to try to take the toy again!

Everyone was still wearing their night clothes as they stood inside the Pope's Champers, Since it was big enough and a private space for them.

As Thanos explained his reasons for this event, Shura was scrolling on a tablet while he listened. Saga peered over the Capricorn's shoulder to see that he was looking up some solid facts about Playtime Co., although the bulk of that data was on the toys they made. When the God of Death finished the Cancer Saint couldn't help but snap in anger, "You and your damn brother could've told me this instead of side-stepping and prodding! I would've been more willing to cooperate!"

Radamanthys raised a brow when he questioned sceptically, "Really? You haven't so far."

Deathmask growled when he snapped, "Because I rightfully assumed they were trying to dig up a past that I wanted to keep buried!" He then stated in anger, "Hypnos came into my dreams and asking all these personal questions without context and avoided giving me an explanation as to why! So, of course, I wouldn't be willing to answer!"

Saga couldn't help but fold his arms when he stated dryly, "Deathmask does have a point. Anyone would react the same way he would if Hypnos did that to another, especially when he doesn't give a reason as to why." The other Gold Saints agreed on that.

Deathmask looked away from Thanos and Radamanthys when he grumbled out, "Besides, even if I did know why you were asking all these questions... I'm not sure if I have the answers you're looking for." He looked down at Night-Light when he added, "I wasn't there when the disappearances happened or the immediate time before that..." Aphrodite wrapped an arm around Deathmask, to give some comfort.

Shura let a frown form on his face when he stated, "Well, the only solid facts I could find on Playtime Co. are the toys they used to make." He rolled his eyes when he added in annoyance, "All their names are just..." Shura shakes his head when he adds, "Who thought some of these tacky names would be appealing to kids?"

Deathmask scoffed when he stated dryly, "Tell me about it. Even when I was a brat, I thought they were stupid."

Aphrodite playfully nudged the Cancer Saint when he said with a smirk, "Is that why you call your CatNap, Night-Light?"

Deathmask rolled his eyes when he scoffed out, "No, and Night-light isn't a CatNap toy or even a Playtime Co. product..." He somewhat hugged the purple cat plushie/pack close when he added, "I'm... Not sure why my dad made Night-Light look like a CatNap... But I guess that worked in my favour... "

Mu yawned before he asked, "In what way?" The Aries Saint was sleeping so peacefully before this whole event, So, of course, he was still sleepy.

Deathmask shrugged when he said, thinking back to these memories, "Playtime Co., or at least the staff, didn't like it when some of the kids came in with toys that weren't made in the factory, so they took those toys away and gave them one of the Playtime Co. toys and kind of gaslighted them to think that their original toy didn't exist." He scoffed when he stated bitterly, "Not sure if it was their pride as a big toy company or jealousy over some of the kids liking other brands. Either or, they thought Night-Light might've been a custom made CatNap toy and didn't take him."

Shura handed Shaka the tablet, and the Virgo read the list of toys out loud. Although, it sounded like he was trying to make sense of what he was reading, "Huggy Wuggy? Kissy Missy? Mini Huggys? Mommy Long Legs? Cat-Bee? PJ Pugapillar? DogDay? CatNap? Bubba Bubbaphant? Bobby Bearhug? Hoppy Hopscotch? Kicknchicken? Craftycorn? PickyPiggy? Bron the Brontosaurus? Boxy Boo? Candy Cat? Banzo Bunny? Boogie Bot? And Poppy Playtime?" Shaka scrolled down the list to see what happened to the toy company. He let out a hum before he said as he read the corresponding article, "Looks like poor investments in the smiling critters line and an issue with the CatNap toys caused some financial trouble for Playtime Co. few years or so before the disappearances,"

Shura shrugged when he said, "It might've played a part in the company's downfall, but not the disappearances." He took the tablet back when he added, "Granted there were other issues I found, but I don't know how much of those are rumours from disgruntled employees, rival toy companies, or slandur to push Playtime Co. further into the ground."

Deathmask was rather surprised by this information. After all, he heard nothing of the sort when he was at Playtime Co. But then again, they did keep a lot of secrets... This made Deathmask wonder...

Thanos let out an annoyed sigh before he said, "As interesting as this... Stuff is, it doesn't explain why none of the souls who died within Playtime Co. weren't collected and brought to the underworld."

Radamanthys looked up at the God of Death when he suggested, "I mean no disrespect, Lord Thanos, but... Perhaps these things might have played a part as to why the Souls never arrived in the Underworld." He paused as he hunted for the right words before he finally added, "The people in control of Playtime Co. could've... Dabbled in stuff they shouldn't have to try to get the company back on track or something."

Dohko couldn't help but reply to that comment, "True, but wouldn't the rest of the staff of Playtime Co. take notice or start asking questions?"

Deathmask cut in by saying, "Not really." He shrugged when he added as if it were obvious, "Playtime Co. was already pretty secretive because of the technology involving that creepy Poppy doll. If anyone had heard any hushed conversations or thought anything unusual, they would likely brush it off as something involving the Poppy process."

Things were quiet before Sienna suggested that they eat breakfast before they continue the conversation, or at least Deathmask telling everyone about what he does know about playtime Co.

And even though the Cancer Saint warned them that he might remember things a little weirdly, they all couldn't help but find what he told them strange…

~}I{~

After a thorough discussion, it was decided that both the spectors and Athena's knights needed to investigate Playtime Co. in every way possible.

The Underworld had the names of the 'Playtime Souls' and could use that list to track down any surviving relatives and family. The knights of Athena would be asking these people the questions, for obvious reasons. The two groups will also be asking the police for the files that connected to Playtime Co. However, the biggest thing that needed to be done was collecting the 'Playtime Souls'.

Since Deathmask used to 'live' and go to the Playtime Co. factory, he would be in the small group going into the building. Aphrodite volunteered to go on this and no one wanted to asked why. Hades ordered Celestial Eminent Star Barlon Luné to go, since he had the Cosmos and ability to contain and collect the 'Playtime Souls'. Yes, it was a small group but given the unknown factors and the possible space, it was a good size to start with. Plus, they had Deathmask's ability to escape if needed.

}I{

After ensuring that they had all they needed and were properly dressed for the mission, even if it wasn't their clothes, the group headed to Playtime Co. left.

"I cannot believe I actually allowed you to talk me into wearing these!" Luné Luné grumbled as he and the two Gold Saints walked down the neglected roadway towards their destination. The Spector was currently wearing an old, worn navy shirt with faded white letters that spelt out 'On the Edge' over the chest with a pair of matching denims that had holes on the knees, were completely frayed at the ankles, and had a lot of tare-marks along the legs that looked liked it was because of a combination of age and use, and wore a pair of grey combat boots with silver studs. Luné had his long silver hair loosely tied back with only the strands in front of his ears hanging free. This set of clothing was not something the Spector would wear, but the Pisces Saint managed to talk him into wearing them.

Aphrodite let out a laugh when he said, "Oh, trust me, these clothes are more suitable to the task at hand." He was currently wearing a worn pastel top with old, sun bleached bell bottom jeans that were decorated with flowers, wore a pair of old brown garden boots, and had a decent-sized camping pack sitting against his back. Aphrodite glanced at the Spector when he stated with a smug smile, "Besides, Shura's old clothing fit you nicely and they show-off your form so well no."

Luné turned pink as he tugged at the shirt, wishing it were his robes he preferred wearing... Or his armour... When he realised he was falling behind, he jogged to catch up. Luné let out a small growl when he stated sternly, "The only reason I'm putting up with these clothing and you two is because Lord Hades tasked me with it."

Deathmask looked over his shoulder to glance at the Spector when he stated, "If I had my way, I wouldn't be going back to Playtime Co." He was wearing an old black shirt with a faded white skull on the front and sleeves torn off paired with black cargo slacks with an old silver stitching, black ankle boots, and an old grey pack flung over his shoulder. Deathmask turned his attention forward when he added, "But if it means that the other kids still trapped there are set free, I'm willing to return."

Luné raised a brow when he thought, 'Other kids?' But then again, he didn't have perfect recall. Luné could always reread the list of 'Playtime Souls' but maybe when they aren't trekking over pavement that should've been touched up within the last decade or 5 years. The Spector let out an annoyed breath before he stated, "Fine, but we focus on the mission! So try to avoid making-out during this."

Deathmask rolled his eyes when he got out in a dry sarcastic tone, "Oh, sure, it's always been a fantasy of ours to have a hot, steamy make-out session in an old, abandoned toy factory."

Aphrodite scoffed when he stated as they continued walking, "Mask, you know I need a good cosy atmosphere if you even want me in the mood. Of which, are not going to be in that place and like hell are we doing it in a place that probably has a mass of dust and unwanted crawlers." He shuddered at the thought of those awful little bugs with the black body, thin spiky legs, long antennae, and gross sheen that creeped him out.

Deathmask stated as they kept walking, "Don't worry about the roaches, I can take care of those, and the dust shouldn't be too much of an issue unless we have to trudge through a bad section." He looked at the Pisces Saint when he added, "Plus, we can always do some quick kisses between locations if you really want them."

Luné paused when he heard those words. The two Gold Saints didn't seem to notice as they continued walking on and talking. Luné stared at the back of the two's heads as the Pisces Saint giggled out cheerfully, "Oh, Mask, you spoil me~."

Deathmask practically chuckled out, "You deserve to be spoiled once and a while."

Aphrodite giggled when he replied, "So true no."

Luné couldn't help but feel like the two Gold Saints forgot that he was there... At least until Deathmasked called back to him by shouting, "Oi! Don't fall too far behind or we will leave yah!"

Luné blinked before he thought, 'Oh, Lord Hades, please give me the strength to deal with these two during this mission.' He then jogged to catch up, again.

}{

It didn't take long before the three came to the dilapidated gate with the looming old toy factory within.

Luné peered past the rusty and broken metal gate to see the Playtime Co. factory. He looked over what he could see before he commented, "It's... Smaller than I thought, given the number of souls,"

Deathmask walked by the Spector when he stated, "You're only seeing the front, there's more behind the entrance."

Aphrodite followed when he stated, "Well, you did say that there was a Game-Station for the kids and an orphanage. Maybe they're on the land somewhere."

Luné reluctantly followed when he mused, "Maybe we should check the outside of the building before we go inside." He looked along the wall surrounding the toy factory before he added, "Then again, it doesn't seem like there's much outside to investigate." Luné sensed for any grounded souls that might be nearby, but there were none. The Spector clicked his tongue before he stated, "And no souls lingering,"

The three came to the entrance to Playtime Co. When Deathmask stated with a deep breath, "Well, guess we have to start inside...'' The Cancer Saint simply stared at the glass doors that were somehow still attached after all these years... As was the memories of his first time arriving...

}{ Flashback }{

A 5-year-old Deathmask nervously hugged Night-Light, who at the time was two and a half heads smaller than him, as he stared at the glass doors to his uncle's busy workplace. Little Deathmask was roughly shoved forward, nearly colliding with the glass door when his uncle snapped, "Hurry up, brat! I'm not going to be late because of you!" He then pushed the door open and walked through.

Deathmask glared at his uncle before he reluctantly followed, clutching Night-Light close as he did.

}{ End Flashback }{

Aphrodite placed a hand on Deathmask's shoulder, snapping him out of his memories. The Pisces Saint moved into the Cancer Saint's peripheral vision when he asked, "Do you need another minute?"

Luné walked past the Gold Saints when he stated, "We should start on this as soon as possible. Lord Hades and Lord Thanos have waited long enough for these Souls." He pushed the glass door open without any issue.

"Hm?" Deathmask vocalised as his eyes fixated on the door that the Spector was holding open.

Aphrodite looked at the Cancer Saint when he asked, "Is something wrong?"

Deathmask moved forward to hold the door open for the Pisces Saint when he said cautiously, "Not... Exactly, But..." He tested the door hinge before he asked, "Do either of you know if anyone is doing maintenance on this place?"

Luné walked inside when he stated, "Far as I know, not since the disappearances and anyone else who came here hasn't left."

Aphrodite walked into the toy factory next when he asked, "Mask? Why do you ask?"

Deathmask took a step inside, being the last through, as he tested the hinges of the glass door. He narrowed his eyes when he stated, "Because this door is in oddly fine condition for something that hasn't gotten any regular use or maintenance."

Luné folded his arms as he stared down the Cancer Saint when he asked, "Are you sure you're not being paranoid?"

Aphrodite quickly moved to test the glass door opposite the one Deathmask was holding and tested that one. It moved without so much as a creak. Aphrodite let the door close when he stated, "No, Deathmask is right. If you leave a door closed or don't use it for a while, the hinges rust the door in place. Making the door hard to open and close while making noise." The Pisces pointed at the glass doors when he added, "And given that this place only gets visitors once in a blue moon, it's a little strange that these doors are in perfect working order."

Luné had to admit, the Gold Saint had a point.

Deathmask let go of the door he was holding when he stated bitterly, "That also means someone is coming by to maintain this place." He was already getting a bad feeling, and not just from his history here.

The moment the door clicked closed, a strange, unpleasant wave washed over the Gold Saints and Spector.

"The hell?!" Deathmask got out as Aphrodite visibly shuttered. Luné, on the other hand, fell to his knees, feeling like his connection to the Underworld via his star sign was suddenly sucked away. The Spector wrapped his arms around himself as he tried to 'reconnect' to the Underworld. Luné couldn't feel it! No matter how much he sought the connection! It just wasn't there!

"Oi!" Aphrodite called to the convulsing Spector.

Deathmask clicked his tongue before he snapped as he charged towards the Spector, "Dite! Get the door open! I'll drag him outside for some air!"

Aphrodite nodded as he bolted to the door as the Cancer Saint managed to get ahold of the Spector. The Pisces Saint was about to yank the door open, but the door remained sealed shut. Aphrodite was confused, the door opened easily enough not even a minute ago so why was it locked now?

"Dite? Open the door!" Deathmask snapped as he kept a hold of the now hyperventilating and shaking Spector. The Cancer Saint noticed the look on the Pisces Saint when he asked, "Dite... Is there something wrong with the door?"

Aphrodite pulled at the door again, but it wouldn't budge. He then tried to pull open both doors, but the results were the same. The glass doors remained solidly shut.

Deathmask felt queasy when he asked, glancing at the still hyperventilating Spector, "Should I...?" When Aphrodite quickly nodded his approval, the Cancer Saint quickly used his Sekishiki Meikai Ha and the two Gold Saints quickly hauled the Spector through the portal to the Underworld.

}{

Minos felt the sudden presence almost immediately and went to investigate. To say he was surprised at what he was seeing when he came to the location of the Cosmos was an understatement.

"That's it, slow deep breaths," Deathmask coaxed Luné as Aphrodite held the Spector as still as possible.

Minos cautiously watched as his underling slowly started getting his breathing under control. The Underworld Judge took a few steps forward, watching as tears streaked down Luné's cheeks. "What... What happened at that Playtime Co.?" Minos asked as he knelt to the level of his underling and the Gold Saints.

As Deathmask continued soothing Luné from his episode, Aphrodite explained what happened to the Underworld Judge. Minos, of course, was confused by this, but then again, the Gold Saints were also confused. They had to wait until Luné calmed down before they could hear his side of this odd story.

}I{

Saga pinched the bridge of his nose as he said over the mass video call, "So, Playtime Co. is essentially an 'Underworld Dead-Zone'?" He looked over his cell Phone to see Kanon and Radamanthys listening in on the conversation.

Deathmask said over the phone, "To put it simply," He shrugged when he added, "Don't ask me how or why, but there's something there that is causing it."

Dohko placed a hand on his chin before he said into the video call, "Hm, if the connection to the Underworld was severed the moment the door closed... Then it could explain why the Souls never left, there was no place for them to go after they died... " He tapped his chin when he added thoughtfully, "But what's also bothering me is the doors themself..."

Aphrodite came into view on Deathmask's end when he said, "Same. Doors to any place that hardly gets visitors aren't in perfect working condition... Or suddenly lock up tighter than a submarine when closed...'' He glanced at the Cancer Saint, who bit his lips in uneasiness.

Aioria couldn't help but say over the video call, "That whole thing is raising more questions than it does answers," He looked up to see his destination in the distance.

Aldebaran was sitting in the police station, with an earbud in his ear so the conversation couldn't be overheard, when he asked the Pisces and Cancer Saints, "Are you going to... Go back?" The Taurus Saint glanced at the Spector he was with to gauge his reaction. The Spector had the other earbud so he could hear the conversation.

Deathmask let out a breath before he stated, "We have to..." He glanced up to see a much calmer Luné before he added, "But not until we can find a way to... Uh, ground Barlon so we don't have a repeat,"

Aphrodite focused the phone's camera on him when he stated, "We'll shoot you a text when we head back. Meanwhile, You guys do what you can on your end."

Shaka glanced at Mu, who was looking at a map, when he said, "We'll gather any information we can find."

Valentine looked over the Virgo Saint's shoulder when he added, "At this rate, we should take down everything, even if it's out there or weird. We'll sort through it all later and gauge how useful or valid it is to our mission."

Mu motioned for the two to follow him when he stated, "Though, given what Deathmask told us, nothing would be too weird."

Deathmask growled when he retorted, "I told all of you! I was a brat at the time! So, of course, my memories are going to be weird now!" He let out a huff before he added, "You guys are lucky I can remember my time at Playtime Co. and Playcare..."

Aioros was patiently waiting in a city hall with a spector when he said into the video call, "Strange that a toy factory that has such advanced technology can't think up better names for their toys and joining businesses." He looked up at a nearby wall clock when he asked, "Uh, little off-topic, but how many of you are at your respective locations?"

}I{ 30 minutes Later }I{

Luné fidgeted with his whip, or rather tried to find a more comfortable position on a set of clothing he normally didn't wear. He clicked his tongue before he looked over to the Pisces and Cancer Saints when he snapped, "Can't I switch to my usual clothing while we're here?"

Aphrodite stated in a deadpan tone, "Not unless you want them to get caught on loose nails or the like, causing them to tear and rip." He waved a hand when he added, "Plus, flowy clothing in any type of factory is a major safety hazard, so you're staying in those clothing. Shura already said he doesn't mind if they get dirty or ripped."

Luné had no real rebuttal to that, but that didn't stop him from feeling self-conscious about how much of his body was exposed despite the fact it was completely covered. Of course, he was quick to shoot a glare at the other Spectors that were staring at him. Luné then finally settled on docking his whip on the right side of his hip with a make-shift hook.

Aphrodite couldn't help but comment cheekily with an amused raised brow, "Oh, don't you look sexy like that~."

Luné turned bright red when he snapped at the Pisces Saint, "Sh-Shut up! And quit commenting on these stupid clothing!"

Aphrodite had a smug expression before Deathmask asked in annoyance, "Are Gryphon and Garuda going to be done with whatever they're doing?"

As if on cue, Gryphon Minos and Garuda Aiakos appeared.

}I{ About an Hour Later }I{

Now that they were more prepared for the issue of the lack of connection to the Underworld, Deathmask used the Sekishiki Meikai Ha to return to the Playtime Co. factory building. However...

They were back outside the building rather than inside...

Aphrodite and Deathmask glanced at each other before shrugging it off as a slight deviation that rarely happens before they made their way to the doors with Luné. Like before, they passed through the glass doorway without any issue, but that in itself was a weird thing...

The three glanced at each other with a gleam of suspicion about this situation. They cautiously entered the building. Deathmask held the door as Aphrodite and Luné walked in. The Cancer Saint looked at the Spector, who gave a weary nod. Deathmask let the door closed.

The moment it clicked shut, the strange, unpleasant wave washed over them again.

Aphrodite shuttered again when he got out bitterly, "Second verse... Same as the first..." Deathmask agreed with him.

"Not... Not completely," Luné got out with an uncomfortable shiver that pulsed through his veins. To him, it felt like the temperature suddenly dropped 20 degrees. The Spector wrapped his arms around himself to try to keep some warmth in. It was unpleasant but it was a helluva lot better than what happened last time.

Aphrodite pulled a rolled-up sweater out of the camping pack and tossed it to Luné, while Deathmask tested the doors.

They were solidly sealed shut... Just like last time...

Luné shivered uncontrollably as he straightened out the sweater, which was completely decorated with embroidered roses. The Spector cringed at the red flowers painted all over the bright blue sweater, but right now he was too cold and wanted warmth so he quickly slipped the thing on. It was a relief to feel the coldness dim. Luné looked over at the Cancer Saint when he asked, "We're not going to be going out that way... Aren't we?"

Deathmask kicked the door in annoyance before he scoffed out, "Apparently not," He folded his arms and walked to his companions when he stated, "Something reeks about this, and not just the no connection to the underworld skit."

Aphrodite nodded in agreement when he stated, "Granted we have another way out, but still..."

Luné tugged the opening to the sweater closed as he and the Gold Saints turned their attention towards the reception area. The trio couldn't help but wonder what was really going on inside Playtime Co…

~}I{~

To be continued.

~}I{~

1… Ammy and her father are OCs that are here for plot reasons.

~}I{~