Episode 17 The Mis-Ed-venture Begins

Time for shenanigans, everyone! No intro this time, off to the reviews.

That guy: Thank you, man. Got to embrace my inner Persona fan in me. Speaking of, our resident hacker better watch out for that cat. This arc will be a rough one for her.

TheSupeMan: Holy shit indeed. Glad I was able to incorporate Persona into the story seamlessly. And Ryu went out like the bro he is.

G-Man 2.0: Thanks. Glad I was able to do Ryu justice. He was a great suggestion of yours. Can't wait to see what he does next season.

1602jaw: Thanks so much, dude. The last one was different than normal, indeed. Expect things to be different than what you normally get with this arc.

ThelastCyberKnight: Hell yeah! I recommend the Persona games highly. Ryu may have lost, but he went out swinging. And he's got his precious Bernie-Bear waiting for him. They're adorable, and deserve all the happiness. Also, Maynard can truly fuck off, but You've not seen the last of him. (Oddly enough). My creativity will shine a lot through this arc.

PineCoop: Ooh, you'll be in for quite the treat. Your questions will be answered, at least some will this episode.

Thenewsubwayguy: Thanks so much. And yes, gotta respect the hustle. I went all out for the beginning of the final story arc.

Happiness studios: Glad to see how much you enjoyed it. Not quite sure what your thoughts will be in this one, but I'm hoping you find something to enjoy.

NondescriptNorbert: Ah, busting out the essay here. I love it. Thanks so much for praise here and your critique. Really means the world. I hope you're ready for what I'm cooking up in my (possibly insane) brain.

chillsummer: Thanks a lot. At least Ryu is back for Infinite 3. This arc is going to be…quite an interesting one.

Strap yourselves in, and commence the show!

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Maynard McMonster finally awakens, opening his eyes to the sight of a blood red sky and a moon that looked like…a pentagram. Confused, he gets up and rubs his temples. He was used to waking up on the ground unconscious, usually after one of his parties. This time, something felt off.

"Oof….my head. Where the hell am I?"

Looking around, he sees a huge and bustling city, filled with people he'd never seen before. They didn't even look human, much to his shock. They almost looked like… demons.

"W-what the…." He said worriedly. Quickly, he began to panic. "Where am I?! What is all of this?! What's going on?!"

He's caught off guard by the sound of a car honking behind him.

"Outta the road, faggot!" a grizzly shark like demon roared from inside his cab.

"H-huh…?" Maynard stuttered.

"You got cotton in your ears, pal?! Move your ass before I run ya over, bitch boy!"

Maynard, in a panic, runs away, and runs through a crowd of busybody demons on the sidewalk, much to their irritation.

"Watch it!"

"Sorry!"

"Rude, much?!"

"I'm so sorry!"

"Get back here, ya cuck!"

"SORRY"

Maynard finally finds a secluded spot, and comes across a large puddle. He gasps when he looks into it's reflection and sees even he looked different.

His hair was back to it's original brown color, albeit with the tips still white. His skin was gray, his eyes yellow with violet sclera. He wore a baggy jester outfit that was the same color as his crushed velvet suit, with a high collar the same color as his feathered boa. Last but not least, he saw he had long pointed horns coming out of his head, the tips cherry red.

"WHAT HAPPENED TO ME?!" He cried. "How'd I end up here?! Last I remember…"

He tries to recall what happened before he woke up. Last thing he remembered was his press conference interrupted by the Phantom Thieves, and…getting his ass handed to him by that Ryu guy. Strangely enough, he didn't feel any hatred or ill will towards them. Everything after that was fuzzy for him.

He slumps down, feeling scared and confused.

"What is going on here?!" He whimpered. "I feel so lost!"

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We now transition to none other than the Hazbin Hotel. Inside, we see Katakuri, who sat in front of the bar, gorging himself on a mountain of donuts. The hotel's bartender and concierge Husk watches him eating with a look of disgust on his face.

"Geez, you eat like a wild animal!" The bartender spat.

"I thought this hotel was a place free of judgment." Katakuri said, his mouth full as he was talking.

"I know it's Hell and all, but don't eat with your goddamn mouth full!".

Charlie walks up to Katakuri, and says, "Don't worry. He's just filling up before we head out. Once Vaggie returns, we'll all three go to see them."

"Where are you lovebirds heading to, anyway?" Husk asks.

"Well, we're all going to meet up with Tari and Ed for a double date. They finally got some time off from Foundation work."

"Haven't seen them since the season after party." Katakuri adds. "Figure they and Rick have been very busy."

As if right on time, the door slams open, with their girlfriend Vaggie there, holding Maynard by his collar.

"Just ran into this whining little baby on the way here, guys." She said, tossing Maynard forward. "And you won't believe who it is."

Maynard looks up and sees them looking down at him. Suddenly, it clicked for the celebrity.

"HEY! I-I RECOGNIZE YOU TWO! YOU GUYS WERE ON TOTAL DRAMA!"

As soon as Charlie and Katakuri saw who it was, they were both shocked.

"... McMonster?!"

"Y-yes…." Maynard squeaked. "Wait….does this mean I went to Hell?!"

"Um…..yes?" Charlie said. "You're in Hell."

Maynard repeatedly punched the ground in frustration. "NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO! IT WASN'T SUPPOSED TO END THIS WAY! I NEED TO RIGHT MY WRONGS!"

"Excuse me?" Katakuri asked.

Katakuri and Vaggie both point their spears at him, freaking the dead celebrity out!

"PLEASE, HAVE MERCY!" He begged. "I'M NOT THE SAME GUY I WAS AN HOUR AGO! I FEEL ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE FOR THE CRIMES I COMMITTED! PLEASE FIND IT IN YOUR HEARTS TO SPARE MEEEEEEEE!"

They both lower their weapons, and hear him out.

"If I'm here…how can I atone for my crimes?!"

"That means….the Phantom Thieves really did change his heart after all." Charlie said in awe.

"Guess it sticks with you even in death." Vaggie adds.

"That still doesn't answer just how he died." Katakuri brings up.

"It's a little hazy." Maynard admits. "Trying to remember it…it felt like my brain just….shut down. My eyes felt heavy, I felt blood leaking from… everywhere!"

"It didn't happen to be a mental shutdown, did it?" Husk asks, getting weird looks from everyone.

"Is there something you know?" Katakuri asked.

"There's only one rat bastard I know who can kill people in the way you just described." Husk explains. "Didn't think he was still around."

"Wait…just who are you referring to?!" Vaggie demanded to know.

"I WAS MURDERED?!" Maynard cried.

"Guy's really pulled a 180 with how he acts." Katakuri remarked.

"It's the handiwork of Chubzworth Chokola." Husk said. "A former Overlord that was known as the Demon of Cognition."

"Wait…I think that name might ring a bell." Charlie says, racking her brain to remember. "I always thought he was just some kind urban legend."

"This isn't making any sense." Katakuri said. "Who is this "Chubzworth?!"'

The look on Husk's face turns rather grim. At least, more than usual. "You three just go out and meet your friends for this date or whatever. I'll give you all the details when you get back. It's a long story."

"Wait, what about me?!" Maynard cried. "Even if I'm Hell, I want to atone for my crimes! You can't just kick me to the curb!"

Katakuri smirks, and looks over at Charlie. "Well, you heard the man. He wants to atone. Lucky for you, you're in the right place for that."

Maynard was still confused. "...What?!"

"You guys sure it's a good idea letting this little shit stay here?!" Husk asked in disbelief. "I watched the show, and this guy is an egocentric dick who used his wealth and influence to do as he pleased, even manipulating the police! He gives off major Adam vibes, and I'd rather not deal with someone who lives by the code of "Rules for thee, but not for me!" He can go fuck off, personally!"

"Look…I know I did a lot of terrible things when I was alive." Maynard said bitterly. "And I know I can't take them back. I was a complete ass to the people on Total Drama. And many others."

"Understatement of the century." Katakuri retorts. "You attacked them with a giant mech, you set an entire island on fire, and do I even need to bring up the incident with tying Bernadetta to a chair?! You knew what you were doing with that one!"

"I know!" Maynard snapped. "I'm an absolute piece of shit! A narcissistic scumbag! And I'll gladly spend the rest of my afterlife being called such! All I want is the chance to do better! To right my wrongs! Is that too much to ask?!"

"This place is the perfect place for someone who wants to be better." Charlie tells him. "I'll help you get settled in once we get back." She proceeds to shake the sinner's hand. "Welcome to the Hazbin Hotel!"

"And fuck you, too." Katakuri says with faux kindness.

Maynard sighs. "I suppose when you hit rock bottom, you can only go up. That's what dad always said. I wish I'd taken his lessons seriously."

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(SCP Foundation, Site 19)

We now move to the completely repaired facility of Site 19, one of the SCP Foundation's most important base. Walking through the quiet hallways were the titular new-ish members of the organization: Edward Elric, Rick Sanchez, Tari, and her companion Theo.

Ed was now wearing a black, short sleeved polo shirt with red accents, the Foundation's logo embroidered on it, a new red coat that already looked a bit torn from battle, black shorts, and the small beginnings of a beard were now slightly visible. Tari now wore a blue, short sleeved athletic jacket adorned with some pins, a white T-shirt with the Foundation logo, a miniskirt, black shorts, black sneakers, and now sported a nice pair of glasses.

Edward yawns as stretches as they walk. "Finally nice to get some time off. Feel like we haven't had a break since we joined."

"I'm with you there." Tari yawned. "Got a backlog of games I have been meaning to get back to."

"We'll totally have plenty of time for that tomorrow." Ed tells her. "Tonight, it's date night with friends and then a well deserved night's sleep. I tell ya, I'll probably sleep like a rock tonight!"

"Good for you two." Rick spat. "And let me guess, you want me to babysit the slime tonight while you two lovebirds are out?!"

Tickles, who was being held in Ed's arms, let out a happy gurgle.

"If it's not too much to ask." Ed said sheepishly. "Sorry for springing that on you at the last second."

"Yeah, yeah. I'll look after the little shit, alright?! But you two owe me big time! And I'm wearing gloves around that thing. Don't want it making me happy!"

"Why have you been a bigger arse than usual since we got this job?!" Tari snapped. "It wouldn't kill you to make the best of it! I swear, I haven't heard anyone complain this much since that wanker Evelyn."

" Got this job?!" Rick said in disbelief. "You know this shit was forced on us! We had no fucking choice! I had no fucking say in this matter at all! If you hadn't found that goddamn notebook, we wouldn't be in this situation right now!"

"For your information, if I hadn't found it, we'd all be dead right now." Ed calmly responds. "You're welcome, by the way."

"Ohhh, how could I forget about Mr. Big Celebrity who saved the multiverse? That closet of yours must be getting full with all the medals and awards other planets have given you for stopping Gjira."

"All the fame and media attention I've been getting from that is exhausting." Ed groans. "It's not like I enjoy the attention."

"How about you get that Dimitri guy to look after him instead?" Theo suggests

"Yeah, no." Edward responds. "Dimitri is fine and all, but he's got more issues than me. I'd rather not entrust the little guy to someone who's so strong he accidentally breaks his weapons."

"How about that D-Class girl." Rick throws out. "Valentina, I think her name is. I get D-Class schmucks who aren't used as fodder to do shit for me all the time."

"I'd rather not." Edward said. "They're people too, and I'd rather not use them as personal servants."

"Lots of them are war criminals and prisoners of war. My own shit has more rights than them!"

As they walk, they now find themselves passing the containment cells of Gjira and his children. However, something caught the groups eyes as they looked into Gjira's cell.

Still weakened, Gjira had a serious look on his face as he watched what was going on on the TV. It was a news report showing the footage of Maynard's sudden mental shutdown and subsequent death.

"That's that celebrity…" Edward muttered.

Gjira looks over at them, a slight grin forming on his face. "Heh, seems something has caught your eye, Fullmetal. This story is quite the shocker."

They keep watching, and the footage returns to a news report.

"What you just witnessed was the mysterious death of Internet celebrity and influencer Maynard McMonster." The anchorman said. "Caught on last night's live episode of Total Drama Infinite: Bon Voyage. After his press conference was interrupted by a calling card from none other than the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, footage showed McMonster wreaking havoc on his personal island, only after being subsequently defeated, some mysterious affliction affected him, and led to his death."

"That's really freaky." Tari said grimly.

"Never seen anything like that happen before." Edward adds.

The anchor continues. "Last time a similar event of this magnitude occured was when Okumura Foods CEO Kunikazu Okumura suffered a similar fate on live television, dubbed as a mental shutdown. While it came to light that the Phantom Thieves were not responsible for this event in the past, it still leaves many scratching their heads. The vocal minority are claiming it's the cast of Total Drama that are at fault, due to the bad blood between the show and McMonster. Even as McMonster's crimes are still being revealed to the public as we speak, the mysterious circumstances of his death are still prevalent in the minds of many."

"Holy crap…something came over him!" Edward said worriedly.

"Not something. Some one." Gjira says. "I know damn well who's responsible for this. To think this is how he makes his big comeback."

"What is it you know?" Tari asked skeptically. "There's no way the people on that show were responsible."

"It's an old foe of mine." Gjira admits.

"Are you suggesting it's the work of the Cognition Demon?!" Ghido gasped.

"The very same."

All three of his children fall silent, despite their usual noisy attitude.

"Cognition….Demon?" Ed asked.

"Doesn't ring a bell." Tari adds.

"You humans are so naive." Gjira says. "Very few people on Earth know of his existence. The infamous demon Overlord…. Chubzworth Chokola."

"Still, never heard of him."

"Then let me regale you with the story of this monster. Back before he became a demon, he was a politician, and a rather shitty one at that. He excelled in intel gathering, publishing damning news of his political opponents, both real and fake. Though when people finally caught on to what he was doing, a mob raided his home and killed him. Once he got to Hell, he quickly rose through the ranks to become an Overlord with the help of his own sovereign city and his newly started news company. Many sold their souls to him for a chance to work under him."

"I'm still not following." Ed said. "What's this got to do with that other guy dying?"

"I'm getting to that!" Gjira snapped. "Be lucky that I'm telling you anything. They say when he went to Hell, he awakened a mysterious ability. An ability to enter and freely interact with other worlds. One of those worlds is the Metaverse, the collective unconsciousness of all life. All I know about it is he can manipulate it, and cause people to act out in odd ways, and even kill them if he so chooses. Along with that, he has these dastardly creatures known as Shadows at his beck and call. Because of this, he grew powerful enough to challenge many of the ruling Sins in Hell. After this, he was banished by Lucifer himself, and left on Earth, where he was hardly heard from again."

"And you're guessing he killed McMonster?" Rick assumed.

"Not guessing, I know it was him." Gjira says. "Sanchez, I'm surprised you never heard of him. Remember the mass suicide on the planet Grinnalk only five years ago?"

"That incident where an entire planet killed itself?"

"That was no planned suicide. It was all orchestrated by him. He messed with the planet's cognition, and committed genocide by suicide, then reported the story before anyone else in the universe. It's thought he's been laying low with his news company on earth, but it seems he's making a comeback, and using Total Drama to do so."

"Shit, that was him?!" Rick exclaimed. "That incident was the news for weeks!"

"I'm gonna go on a limb and say that's a really big deal." Tari said.

"Of course it's a big deal, you freaking troglodyte! Billions died!"

"This guy really means business, then." Ed said grimly. "That means they're basically trapped in there with him. Maybe we should figure out a way to deal with it."

"That will not be necessary, Mr. Elric." A voice states.

The group turns to see a familiar face approach them. One that could only be described as an anomaly. He was a rather ugly man, with hay blonde hair, a big nose that looked broken, a bulging beer belly, and eyes that had heterochromia. He wore a wide brimmed hat, a Hawaiian shirt, and a white lab coat. He carried a wide grin, like that of a Cheshire Cat, with small and sharp jagged teeth, and carried a small ukulele with him.

"Well, should've figured you newbie greenhorns would be here." The guy said.

"Clef….!" Gjira growled.

"Still piss and vinegar as usual, eh Gjira?" Clef quips.

Edward groans. "Hello, Dr. Clef."

"Yes. Afternoon to you Elric. Looks like you've finally grown since the last time I saw you."

As Edward was stewing in his anger of Clef mocking his height, Tari approached the eccentric looking man.

"Dr. Clef….did you know about all this?" she asked.

"You're never gonna get a good answer from this shit bag." Rick tells her. "You know damn well this quack is the biggest pathological liar around."

"And you're such a pleasant person to be around at parties, Sanchez!" Clef spat. "Jokes aside, I never lie about things pertaining to the Foundation. You, on the other hand, are a gold mine to get a rise out of!"

"Oh, you wanna fucking go?! Because I'll throw down!"

Clef chuckles, a third eye with a red pupil emerging on his head.

"I'm game if you are, Sanchez. I'll go easy on you, you old fart!"

"Yaay, violence!" Theo cheered.

"Rick, now's not the time!" Edward snapped. "Dr., what do you know about this Chubzworth guy?"

"The Foundation has been aware of his existence for some time now." Clef explained. "However, due to his activities being dormant until now, we let him be. Hell, I wasn't even aware of him being responsible for the Grinnalk Incident until just now."

"You're welcome, freak." Gjira growled.

"From what I learned, the Departments of Surrealistics and Telecommunications Office have worked to figure out what Chokola is up to. And what we figured out is that he's created a small area inside the Cluster called the Door-Mension."

"Door-Mension?" Edward said.

"As you know, there's an infinite number of worlds out there, each with an equally infinite amount of timelines. Due to Chokola's Metaversal abilities, he's been able to seal off certain timelines in these worlds. Nobody can get in. That's where those contestants are currently. And once a challenge in said world is completed and they move on, he'll relinquish his hold on that timeline, and it'll revert to how it normally is. I can count the number of Door-Mensions that have popped up in the Cluster on one hand."

"So they're just trapped in there?!" Tari said worriedly. "At that demon's mercy?!"

"Not entirely." Clef answers. "At the moment, he doesn't seem to be harming them. All we can see is whatever they show on TV when a new episode is on. However…"

"Ooh, this should be fun." Rick snarked.

"We've figured out a way to enter the Door-Mension."

"For real?!" Edward exclaimed.

Clef nods. "Precisely. And we have someone tasked with the job. Dr. Kondraki was going to recommend you guys, but I suggested someone else, merely because I didn't want him to have the satisfaction."

"Really? Who?"

"Ah, here he comes now."

We see a young man approaching the group. He had shaggy brown hair, wearing a tan peacoat with black buttons, a striped black and white tie, black pants, black gloves, and loafers.

"I hope I'm not late, Dr. Clef." The man said.

Clef gestures to him. "Guys, I'd like you to meet another new-ish member of Foundation personnel. A member of the Decommissioning Department, and my protege, Goro Akechi."

"I've been here a little bit longer than you lot, for your information." Akechi says with a hint of superiority. He inspects the group, until his eyes land on Edward. "Ah, so you must be the Edward Elric. The Fullmetal Alchemist, and The Hero of Happiness?"

"That'd be correct." Edward said proudly."

"Huh. Nobody told me you were such a shrimp."

Edward immediately flew off the handle, with Tari holding him back while he tried to lunge at Akechi.

"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU CALLING A SHRIMP, PRETTY BOY?! I'LL BREAK YOUR LEGS, AND THEN WE'LL SEE WHO THE SHRIMP IS THEN!"

"My, this pipsqueak has quite the temper." Akechi said mockingly. "I'd love to take you up on that fight, but alas. I have a job to do."

"Who the hell is this guy?!" Edward said, having calmed down a little bit. "And why have you tasked him with this Door-Mension job?!"

"Akechi here was imprisoned until some months ago." Clef explained. "The Foundation seemed him out due to his special abilities. He also has interacted with the Phantom Thieves, who as I've heard, entered the Metaverse regularly."

"If by involved, you mean I joined them only to betray them." Akechi adds. "And then joined them again to defeat a therapist that was warping reality. Still not quite sure how I survived."

"Can we really trust this guy?" Rick asked. "Man just admitted he's not above betrayal. Besides, he gives me school shooter vibes. The kind that should be abused on the regular."

"I'll admit I have quite the body count, Sanchez." Akechi said sadistically. "No longer am I hiding who I truly am. I'll admit I enjoy slaughter, hence why I joined the Decommissioning Department. Despite being forced to join, I feel this is another step to carving my own path. Even still, I hate you three."

"The feeling's mutual." Rick muttered.

"So you agreed because you wanted to kill legally?" Edward said in disbelief. "I'm worried this psycho will slit my throat in my sleep."

"Like him or not, Akechi is good at his job." Clef told him. "The Foundation has been keeping him busy with anomalies and individuals who need taken out back and given the Old Yeller treatment. And like me, we favor the brutal approach."

"So how exactly are you getting into that Door-Mension?" Tari asked.

"Couldn't I just use my portal gun to get there?" Rick brings up.

"What part of nobody gets in do you not understand, Sanchez?" Clef reminds him.

Akechi pulls out a small device resembling a remote. "Some of the staff were able to quickly create this device. It'll send me in there perfectly. However, I've only got one shot. The Foundation has already mapped where the cast is going. Therefore, I'll be going to their final destination, and wait for them there. Once they arrive, I'll dispose of Chubzworth personally."

"Don't forget, we've provided you with weapons made with angelic steel." Clef says. "There's no telling what types of weapons or attacks can damage him, so we're taking the safest option possible."

"Before I do head out, there is one thing I must explain to you all." Akechi said. "Are you all aware of the Kira Case?"

"Nope. Never heard of it." Edward admits.

"I should've figured. I'll keep the explanation brief, then. There's rumors in the news of a so-called "God" that calls themself Kira. They apparently have the power to instantly kill people, and appear to target criminals. Thousands have died at Kira's hands, including those who try to get in the way. I have a pretty good assumption one of those contestants is Kira. None other than Light Yagami."

The group were shocked.

"Seriously?!" Tari exclaimed. "From what I watched, he seemed like a shady manipulator, but a mass murderer?! Isn't that a bit of a jump?!"

"To the average person, yes." Akechi explained. "However, they didn't call me the Ace Detective for nothing. When I heard of cases popping up in worlds where the Bon Voyage cast have been, I decided to look deeper into it. After hours of painstaking research, I found a nice detail that appeared to be concealed from everyone. All of these cases originally started in his world. It wouldn't take a rocket scientist to put two and two together once these clues revealed themselves."

"I guess that makes sense." Ed said. "But what does that have to do with the demon?"

"I'm hoping to put a stop to Chubzworth and arrest Kira in one fell swoop. The Foundation doesn't know how he's killing people, and it'd probably be beneficial to them if we can figure out his methods. And who knows, maybe I'll run into that cast of freaks. One of them is one I've known personally."

"Aw, it'll be like a heartfelt reunion." Theo gushes.

"Not exactly. I did kill her mother, after all. And I'd be branded a liar if I said I felt about it. Still surprised to see that gremlin hacker in the game."

"You're…referring to Futaba, right?" Tari asked, a bit startled at what Akechi just admitted. "And…you murdered her mother?"

"In cold blood." Akechi said proudly. "The Foundation's higher ups even told me that if they try to get in the way, then I'm fully free to terminate them."

"What?!" Edward gasped.

"Exactly as I said. I killed the bitch, so it's possible I may kill the pup as well. As well as anyone else in that litter of weirdos."

"You know what? Screw it!" Edward snapped. "Have fun with your little suicide mission! Tari and I have a date to get to, and delicious pancakes to eat!"

Upon hearing that word, an angry vein appeared on Akechi's head. He growled like a monster. Ed was quick to take notice of this.

"Aw, did I strike a nerve?!" Edward said mockingly, his looking cartoonishly devious. "Somebody doesn't like pancakes!"

"Pancakes…." Akechi growled. "I don't want to hear that word again for a long…… LONG ……time!"

"Akechi, it's time for you to get going." Clef reminds him. "You two can hash out your beef when you get back."

"Indeed I will." Akechi said, finally calming down. "Fullmetal, as of this day, you've been added as another one of my rivals. Next we meet, I challenge you to a fight. And feel free to bring that pathetic blob of sunshine known as SCP 999. I'll win either way."

Tickles gives a sad gurgle.

"Consider it done, Pancake Boy!" Edward retorts. "I'll kick your ass so hard you'll never be able to sit down again!"

Tari shakes her head. "Boys…." She sighed.

Rick nudges Tari. "That hotheaded little runt is quite the keeper, huh?" Rick said mockingly.

"Oh, shut up." She responds. "Unlike you, I find it cute sometimes."

"Whoa, when did little miss pacifist grow a backbone?"

Clef watches all of this and laughs his ass off.

"I can tell you guys are gonna be good friends!"

Whether that was the truth, or one of his lies, none could say for sure.

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We then transition to a rather busy skyscraper, with the logo for "News Right Meow" emblazoned on it.

At a secretary's desk, we see a pale skinned man with white hair goat horns and yellow eyes with black sclera pick up the ringing phone.

"Hello, News Right Meow. This is Henri speaking." He responds. "I'm so sorry sir, but my boss Mr. Chokola is out on business, as well as my sister. Yes, it's important business. He won't be back for days, unfortunately. If you want, I can pass a message."

As soon as Henri gets off the phone, he swivels his chair around. A sinister look appears in his eyes.

"Operation Mad World is coming along nicely, boss." He says confidently. "Hope you guys succeed, because desk work is getting soooooo boring."

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We see Malfoy finally waking up.

"Ohh….what the hell?" He groaned. He gets up and sees that he appears to be in a junkyard. More specifically, he was lying on a small mountain of junk and rubbish. "Where are we? This is disgusting!"

"Heyyyyyy!" A familiar voice called. "We're down here!"

Malfoy looks down and sees the rest of the cast waiting for him. Quickly, he slid down and reunited with everyone.

"Wakey wakey, sleepyhead." Futaba jokes. "Finally rested up with all your HP restored, huh?"

"Where exactly are we?" Draco asked. "I don't remember anything after stepping into that door?"

"We don't know any more than you do, young Malfoy." Percy answers. "I'm not sure where we are, or what we're supposed to do."

"Are we even sure this is the place we're supposed to be?" Panty asked. "This place looks like a hoarder's asshole exploded."

"What about that cat guy?" Yami asked. "Didn't Don mention he'd be overseeing this entire thing?"

"Hey, that's right!" Pete said. "Show yourself, you crazy cat! We want answers!"

"With pleasure!" Chubz said, he and Lucinne menacingly standing behind Pete.

Pete screams like a child and jumps into Yami's arms.

"Nyahahanya, look at him squirm!" Chubz laughs. " Cat got your tongue, fatass?!"

"You!" Futaba snapped. "You were the one who killed Maynard!"

"WHAT?!" Everyone gasped.

Bibo popped out of his Poke Ball and began to growl at the demon.

"He's….dead?!" Percy gasped.

"Yeah….we saw it with our own eyes." Yami admits.

"And you're saying furball over here did the deed?" Bender asked.

"I know you're the Cognition Demon!" Futaba continued. "Who else could've triggered a mental shutdown in him?! The only person I know who could do that is dead!"

"Mental shutdown?" Percy asked. "What do you mean by that? What do you know of this, Futaba?"

Chubz's feline eyes focus on Futaba.

"Quite the accusation, little kitten." Chubz said sweetly. "Yes, I am known as the Cognition Demon, but I'd never go so far as to kill some celebrity I could care less for."

"W- what?!"

"My powers merely involve interacting with and entering the Cognitive World. I can even manipulate phenomenon such as the Dark Hour or the Midnight Channel. Besides, once inside the Door-Mension, my cognitive abilities are still in effect. If I wanted to hurt anybody here, you'd all already be dead."

Futaba was a bit skeptical, but a small part of her was believing what he said.

"Speaking of, because of these abilities, you can freely use your Persona in here."

Futaba gasped. "You know about that?!"

"I'm the Cognition Demon. I know a lot of what you Phantom Thieves have done. From changing hearts of terrible to people to fighting gods such as Yaldabaoth, Salmael, or the Demiurge."

Futaba was worried. It was one thing that her close allies knew she was a Phantom Thief. But now her enemies in the game, and even the whole viewing multiverse, would know her secret.

"Go ahead and give it a try. Summon your Persona."

Futaba was a bit hesitant, for a multitude of reasons. Regardless, she decided it was worth a shot.

"Persona!"

Suddenly, in a puff of blue flames, she was now in her Phantom Thief attire, with Al Azif floating above them, much to everyone's shock.

"The hell is that thing?!" Panty exclaimed.

"Never mind that, check out her getup." Bender points out.

"So that's a Persona…" Draco muttered.

Just as quickly, the Persona disappears, and she goes back to normal.

"You're welcome, by the way." Chubz said. "It's even possible one of you could awaken a Persona of your own like Miss Sakura right here."

"I highly doubt that'll happen." Draco scoffed.

"So…. you're a Phantom Thief, huh?" Light said in an accusatory tone.

"I never knew a member of that group of vigilantes was walking amongst us all along." Percy said.

"You can settle all of this later." Chubz tells them. "I think you lot have bigger fish to fry."

"I still don't trust you…" Futaba mutters.

"How about you start answering some questions, cat." Alucard said. "Where are we, and what's going on?"

Chubz straightens the neck of his suit. "Very well, then. First thing's first, welcome to the final portion of the game: the Door-Mension! Allow me to congratulate you all."

"Answers. Now." Alucard spat.

"Ease up, edgelord. The Door-Mension is a special thing. Each challenge will take place in a different world. Your task is to figure out the way to open the portal to the next world."

"And just how are we supposed to do that?" Panty asks.

"That is the fun part, little lady. It varies. You may have to find a certain item, or you will have to trigger it somehow by doing something that'll trigger it. Where's the fun if I tell you exactly what to do?"

"Once the portal manifests itself, the one who triggered it will automatically move on to the next world." Lucinne adds. "Meanwhile, the rest of you will have to vote to decide who stays behind."

"Well that's rather vague." Percy said. "That could mean a near infinite number of things."

"Again, you gotta figure it out yourselves!" Chubz reiterates. "Those producers would not have allowed this if they didn't think you all were capable. We'll be watching from afar, overseeing your progress. We'll speak again very soon, emphasis on very. Ta-ta!"

The duo disappear in a puff of smoke, leaving everyone…..well, still baffled.

"Well that didn't help much." Draco groans. "How are we supposed to figure out what to do? That could mean anything."

"And even then, winning is going to be very difficult." Light admits.

"Bullshit." Ryuk tells Light. "I can tell you're already formulating a plan for how to win with these rules in place. No way you could've predicted this."

Light doesn't respond, doing exactly what Ryuk was saying. Now that he knew how the rest of the game was gonna go, he needed a plan.

"Should we look around or something?" Futaba asks.

Yami groans, clutching his stomach in pain. "Then we better make it quick. I gotta take a dump!"

"Then just go behind a junk pile and take care of your business!" Pete complained.

"Without toilet paper?! Are you insane?! People who go to the bathroom without toilet paper are like birds with their wings cut off!"

"Don't be a baby!"

Yami's fist glows purple with dark magic, his eyes glowing almost demonically. He punches the junk mountain behind him, creating a large hole stretching dozens of feet across the junkyard. His voices thundered and shook the place.

"DON'T CALL ME A BABY OR I'LL PUT A HOLE IN YOU, YOU FAT WASTE OF OXYGEN!"

Pete, now more scared than he was with Chubz, grovels at Yami's feet.

"Take a chill pill, big guy." Panty warns.

Yami stood firm. "I'm not apologizing. This guy pisses me off with the crap he says.

"You boys can argue later." Percy says. "We've got priorities. First things first, let's look around."

It was then that they heard a small group of voices.

"I think I heard it coming from over here."

"Who or what do you think it could be?"

"Perhaps it's alien invaders here to suck the brain juice from our orifices!"

"Can it, lumpy! I think that explosion was right around here."

The voices finally round the corner, and the cast come face to face with a trio of young boys. One of them appeared to wear a black beanie of some sort. Another was taller and bigger than him, wearing a dark green coat and sporting a happy disposition. The last one was shorter than both of them, wearing a yellow shirt, sporting very little hair, and a rather shady and shifty look on his face.

"Who the hell are you guys?!" Bender asked, breaking the silence.

"We could be asking you the same thing." The short kid asked. "What're you doing in our neighborhood? You guys off to some convention or something, cause you all got a weird getup going on."

"Eddy, I don't think it'd be a good idea to provoke these people." The kid with the hat warns. He points to Yami. "Look at the muscles on that guy." Then he points to Alucard. "And that tall scary guy is carrying some dangerous looking firearms."

Alucard flashes a fanged grin. "I'm surprised the fact I'm a vampire isn't the least of your concerns."

"Vampire?!" The tall kid exclaimed. "So cool! Can I get your autograph Mr. Vampire?!"

The boy attempts to run up to him, but the kid referred to as Eddy held him back by the collar of his shirt.

"Oh no you don't, big guy!"

"We're sorry for intruding upon…your home." Percy said formally. "As for why we're here, that's quite the story. We're actually not from your world.

"For real?!" Eddy exclaimed.

"Yes. We're on this reality show, and part of that right now entails us actually trying to figure out how to reach the next world."

"Is that so?" Eddy said, intrigued. "Well, maybe we can find a way to help. But our services don't come cheap."

"Eddy, are we really going to be extorting these people?!" The kid in the hat chastised. "This is very serious!"

Eddy ignores him. "First things first, let's get introductions out of the way. I'm Eddy, and big lug behind me is Ed."

Ed says nothing, kindly waving to them.

"And I'm Edd, but with 2 D's, so just call me Double D." The hat kid adds.

"So you all have the same name?" Futaba asked.

"Yep." Eddy said proudly. "We're kind of a big deal around here."

With that, the cast go ahead and introduce themselves to the Eds.

"Aren't these guys the best, you guys?!" Ed asked his friends. "Monsters and robots, the ultimate combination!"

"You're not very bright, are ya, kid?" Panty deadpanned.

"Despite Ed's lack of intelligence, he makes up for it in other ways." Double D informed.

"So, what is this "deal" you boys were talking about?" Pete asked. "I'm a little short on cash right now, but if you give me time, I'll pay you back."

"Relax, big guy." Eddy assures. "Our deal is gonna make us money?"

Pete's eyes suddenly turn into dollar signs. "I like the cut of your jib, kid. I'm a bit of a businessman myself."

He and Eddy shake hands. "Awesome, awesome. Now gents, how about we take this conversation to somewhere a little less trashy?"

"Ooh, why don't we go to my house?!" Ed suggests.

"Not exactly much of an improvement, but why not?" Double D says.

"Are we sure we can trust them?" Panty asks. "How do we even know if this'll help us open the next door?"

"Well, we don't have very many options." Futaba said. "Could be the only chance we got."

"Great." Yami says. "Lead the way, kids. And let's make it quick, I'm crowning over here."

The cast follow the Eds out of the junkyard, with Chubz and Lucinne watching from a distance.

"So, are you going to talk to him yet, sir?" Lucinne asks.

"Tonight, my dear." Chubz tells her. "I'll try and make the deal tonight. Other than that, I'll leave them alone for this world. Give them a sense of security. But the next world….is sure to be a rude awakening for them."

"More than likely. The more they survive, the more likely it is they won't."

"How about you head back and check on your brother, Luci? I'll settle things here for right now until you return."

Lucinne nods. "Very well. But do be sure he accepts the deal. We can't achieve our goal if we don't have his help."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

We now find ourselves in Ed's room, which appeared to be a rather dirty old basement, with comics and movies strewn about.

Yami is seen leaving the bathroom, feeling quite relieved. "Whew, that was the best dump I've had in a long time! I'd probably light a match in there if I were you."

"Classy…" Draco muttered.

"So let's get down to it, then, gentlemen." Alucard said. "What's this deal you kept mentioning?"

"I'm glad you asked, tall, dark, and brooding." Eddy said, wheeling a whiteboard into the room. There were simple drawings of each contestant. "We're gonna be stinking rich, and you guys are our ticket to big money!"

"Ooh, I'm all for it." Pete said, rubbing his hands greedily. "So long as I get a cut of the cheddar."

"I second that." Bender adds.

"Remember why we're here." Light sternly reminds him. "Money is the least of our concerns. Proceed."

"You see, we're in the scam business." Eddy continues. "The three of us want jawbreakers."

"Okay, we're thinking small here." Futaba said. "All of this over candy?"

"Have you even tried the jawbreakers we got here? They're so good, you'll forget about all your worries."

"If it gets us the fuck out of this world, then I'm willing to do what it takes." Panty said.

"So what exactly are we supposed to do in this scam?" Yami asked. "What kinda role do we play?"

"We're gonna make you guys our big stars!" Eddy said proudly. "Think about it! The other kids will pay their entire allowances to see people from other worlds!"

"So….you're gonna basically use us as a sideshow attraction?" Light asked in disbelief.

"Well when you put it like that, it makes it sound not so pleasant. But yes, pretty much."

"And what exactly does this entail?" Yami asked. "Because I'll be damned if you're gonna have me juggle or something stupid like that."

"Oh no, nothing like that." Double D assures. "All you guys would have to do is what you're best at to impress the others. What can you guys do that's entertaining?"

"Well, I'm good at cutting shit." Yami said. "Perhaps I could figure something out."

"I'm sure my gun shooting can draw eyes." Panty guessed. "Just give me some targets, make 'em look like ghosts, and you got an act."

"And look at this little guy!" Eddy said, pointing at Bibo. "I don't know what kinda animal he is, but he's cute enough to draw attention!"

"Biiiiii!" Bibo happily cries.

"I'm still not a hundred percent on this idea." Percy admits. "There's the chance this won't work at all. What if we do this and it's all for nothing?"

" ED! " a loud voice shrieked from upstairs.

Ed immediately is seen freaking out. "Oh no, hide me!" He goes to hide under his chair.

The door slams open, and we see a small girl storming downstairs, the look of anger and bloodlust in her face. Following behind her was a rather meek looking boy wearing dental gear.

"Oop, looks like we got company." Futaba groans. "More people, hooray.

"What the heck do you want, Sarah?!" Eddy snapped. "Hit the road, we're busy!"

"Where's my brother, idiot?!" Sarah angrily exclaimed. "I know he's hiding somewhere! And who are these weirdos?! He knows the rule: no parties unless I'm invited!"

"Could somebody shut this brat up?!" Pete complained. "I'm getting tinnitus from her voice! Beat it squirt, we're trying to make money!"

"Let's not anger these people, Sarah." The meek boy said worriedly. "They look scary. I think they might be cannibals!"

"Cannibals, schmannibals!" Sarah scoffed. She points at Yami. "You, the scruffy looking hobo! Where's my brother?! Tell me now, or I'm gonna make your life miserable!"

Yami looks over at the cast, then back at these two kids.

"Well, if you're looking for your brother…." Yami's face looks menacing, as his face is engulfed in Dark Magic. "We did eat him." He said as darkly as possible. "And we'll do the same to you two if you don't hit the road!"

Both kids look scared, and look towards the rest of the class. They see Alucard baring his fangs, Panty drawing her undergarment gun, and Percy simply dusting off her epaulets. Regardless, this was enough to scare them off.

"LET'S GET OUT OF HERE, JIMMY! I DON'T WANNA GET EATEN!"

The two scream in terror and run back up the stars. Eddy was on his back, laughing his ass off. Ed finally comes out from under the chair.

"Oh man, you guys are priceless! For reality show stars, you sure put big mouth in her place!"

"Was that really necessary?" Double D sighed.

"She gave me Sisgoleon vibes." Yami admits. "Only much more vile. Thought I'd have a little fun with it."

"I have to agree with young Eddward here, there could've been another way to go about it." Percy adds.

"Eh, can't change it now. That brat was like a vicious animal."

"Let's get back to plan!" Pete reminds everyone. "We need to make money, remember?!"

"Don't you mean open the next door?"

"Yes, yes, all that good stuff."

"Luckily, we gathered all the materials for this plan anyway while we were at the junkyard." Eddy explains. "We were gonna do a circus, but we found the perfect acts."

"If we're gonna do this, can we please do it tomorrow?!" Panty whines. "I'm fucking exhausted."

"Yeah, we've had quite a day, not gonna lie." Light admits.

" You've had a day?!" Panty exclaimed. "We fought a giant mech of Maynard's and watched him die in a gruesome way!"

"Who's the one who fought a literal Shadow of him in another world?" Futaba adds. "That's right, me."

"Ah, how could we forget the one who takes the law into her own hands." Light mocks.

Futaba glares at him, knowing damn well the hypocrisy he was spouting. And at the same time, she hated how she couldn't clap back about him taking the law into his own hands. She couldn't risk putting her friends and family in danger.

"It is starting to get a little late outside." Double D brings up. "Do you happen to have any extra blankets, Ed?

"That will not be necessary, boys." Percy assured. "I have the proper gear to camp outside kept tucked away with me."

"Seriously?!" Futaba exclaimed. "

"Yes. Two whole tents. The men can have one, and the women get the other."

"How do you have them tucked away?" Bender asked.

"Lots of folding."

"Then it's settled, you guys." Eddy declares. "You all rest up for tomorrow. Be ready for the big show at 3 o'clock sharp."

With that cast leaves the house, leaving on the Eds.

"Are you sure it's a good idea to use these guys, Eddy?" Double D asked apprehensively. "We really are using them as a freak show attraction."

"Relax, sockhead." Eddy assures. "If all goes well, not only will we be swimming in quarters, but they'll hopefully have the way to wherever they go next. It's a win-win situation. Ain't that right, Ed?"

"It'll be a shame to see them go, Eddy." Ed said glumly.

"We've only known them for a day! This whole partnership is strictly business, boys."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Night fell across the cul-de-sac. Most of the cast were sleeping in tents in the backyard. Well, except for one person.

Futaba was sitting up against an illuminated light post on the sidewalk, scrolling through her laptop. She appeared to be stressed while she typed, and yet, deep in thought.

"Couldn't sleep either?" A voice asked.

Futaba was startled, but quickly realized it was Yami, Alucard and Draco.

"Not really." Futaba admits. "It's been an awful day. First we nearly died fending off Maynard. Then Ryu stayed behind, and now looking online, I just learned that we are blamed for McMonster's death?"

"Excuse me?" Draco said in disbelief. "How is it our fault?!"

"The camera's obviously wouldn't have captured what we did in the Metaverse. At least they're not blaming the Phantom Thieves this time. Regardless, I'm still to blame. Now people are trying to sue the show, and wishing death upon us."

"Even in death, that piece of shit is still fucking us over." Alucard growls.

"Speaking of, why didn't you wait for us, Al?" Yami asked. "You left without us?"

"We may be partnered, but I still have priorities." Alucard admits. "I'm not going to waste time when other options present themselves. For my own reasons, I cannot say, and I advise you to question it no further."

"Didn't need the essay version. Just a simple "I have my reasons" would've worked."

"You've obviously got a lot on your mind." Draco says, sitting down next to her. "I know the feeling."

"I'm just…..so scared." Futaba admits. "It's bad enough we're branded murderers. But now I've lost my friends in the game."

"Come again?" Yami asks.

"Ryu and Bernadetta promised me we'd all make it to the end together." The hacker explains. "And even Kronk and Shermie were on that mentality with us. One by one, I lost each of them. First Kronk, then Bernie, then Shermie, and now, Ryu. I'm all alone. I used to enjoy only my own company, but now I don't wanna feel alone. It's scary, and…I am not entirely sure if I can keep going. Not without my friends."

"Are we not your friends?" Yami scoffs.

"Huh?"

"What I'm saying is, you're not entirely alone. You've got me. You've got Al. And you got our resident slut. I got your back just as much as the others, kid. We may not be teammates anymore, but my point still stands. Heck, you even got Malfoy here as a friend."

"I didn't agree to that!" Draco cried.

Yami laughs. "Regardless, I just want you to know you still got us here in your corner. Nothing's gonna change that, and nothing's stopping us. You're still young, so don't kill yourself stressing over it. Understand?"

Futaba nods slowly. This did make her feel just a little bit better. "Y-yeah. Thanks, Yami."

"Anytime. Try to get some sleep tonight. We got a big day tomorrow."

Both Yami and Alucard head back, leaving Futaba and Draco.

Draco breaks the awkward silence "I get it, Futaba. You're scared. Not just of being alone, but of Light."

"Yeah…" Futaba said. "Now he knows of my identity as a Phantom Thief. That whole group knows, as well as the multiverse. That'll make things harder for me. He's already threatened everyone I know and love. I feel like I'm one wrong step away from losing everything."

"Try already losing everything." Draco admits" I know how it feels being scared. I feel like I have no control of my life, lately. I'm always just at someone else's mercy, whether it be Light, or Voldemort. I have hardly anything left to lose besides my life and my family's. Even if I survive all this…it probably still won't be enough to earn their approval."

"Draco…" Futaba said glumly.

"Everything I've ever done was for them. My father was one of Voldemort's top lieutenants, getting to see what my family has preached since I was little. After he got arrested, I was given a suicide mission as punishment after becoming a Death Eater. Lately, everything I've been doing…I've been asking myself…. why?"

"Why?" Futaba asked. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, why am I doing this? What is it all worth? And with Light, I've fallen back into the same situation with Voldemort. I'm constantly stuck in a crossroads. Suffer, or die."

"I'm…. I'm so sorry." Futaba said. "I wasn't trying to compare-"

"You've got loyal friends, and a father who loves you unconditionally. Right now, I have nothing. So hearing you feel like this despite having what I don't is…hard to grapple with." He stands up, and proceeds to walk away. But not before saying one last thing.

"And as much as I'd hate to admit it…you're the only person left who I truly trust the most. Just don't make a big deal about it."

Futaba was shocked. Never did she expect Malfoy, of all people, to tell her he trusts her. After the stressful day she had, her allies' words helped ease the pain. Hopefully, she wouldn't lose anybody else.

"Well, I'll be. This guy keeps surprising me."

Twenty more minutes pass, and she finally closes the laptop.

"Time to make like a tree and get to sleep." She tells herself. "You remember what happened the last time you pulled an all-nighter."

As soon as she gets up and turns back, she catches Light staring at her. She cries, falling back, the wannabe god still leering down at her.

"H-how long have you been there?!" Futaba stuttered.

"I just got here." Light answered. "I got up to use the bathroom, and saw you out here…Miss Phantom Thief."

Futaba doesn't respond out of fear. Light kneels down, coming face to face with her.

"How funny that the one who was against my justice is someone who takes the law into her own hands. I've looked into researching the Phantom Thieves recently. You are all a group of vigilantes who change the hearts of the wicked. As for me, I deliver swift justice."

"By killing them." Futaba retorts.

"You don't see me changing their cognition unlike you guys. I just wipe them out. You are all a band of vigilantes who mess with people's lives. What I do is ordained upon me by the Shinigami. Our justices simply cannot coexist."

"Y–you got all wrong." Futaba said. "Your justice is propped up by fear and death. We don't just change the hearts of the wicked. We inspire hope in people. The people who feel like there's nothing they can do when society refuses to let them back up after knocking them down."

"In the eyes of God, what you are doing is wrong." Light said smugly. "By the time this game is over, everything you and those Thieves stand for will die."

"We'll see about that!" Futaba retorts. "We'll see who's justice is the last one standing…Kira!"

Light was taken back, but merely smirks at her bravado.

"How cute. If there's one thing I'll give you credit for, it's referring to me by the name of who I truly am. Challenge accepted, Sakura. Let the games begin."

Futaba grabs her stuff and runs back, leaving Light out in the street.

"Nyahahanya! Quite the spectacle you two put on!"

Light panics, seeing Chubz leaning on the lamppost.

"How much did you hear?!"

"Relax, it's my domain." Chubz told him. "I decide what the camera does and doesn't show, such as that little talk. Isn't that right…Kira?"

Light slowly tries to reach for his Death Note, but Chubz quickly shuts him down.

"Do not worry. I won't reveal your secret. In fact, I'm a fan of yours."

"A fan?!" Light eases up a bit.

"Yes. I'm a loyal follower of Lord Kira. I want nothing more than to see you succeed in creating a world where crime no longer exists. Truly, an admirable goal."

"But you're a demon." Light brings up. "You want me to succeed, despite being a sinner?"

"I'm a man who's been beaten down by the system." Chubz explains. "Even Hell banished me. Nowhere…Heaven or Hell, or even earth, I have nowhere to go. But you inspire change, by overthrowing the system. I take it you'll overthrow the current Heaven and Hell?"

"Of course. I am God, so the world will be as I see fit. Out with the old, and in with the new. It's honestly nice to meet another follower."

"I'm unworthy of your compliments, Lord Kira." Chubz also compliments. "Since the cameras aren't rolling on us right now, I was hoping to make a deal with you?"

Light raised an eyebrow. "A deal?"

"Yes, a deal. I can lend you my aid, and you will make sure you win the game, and that the world you seek will come to fruition."

"You…want us to join forces?" Light reiterates.

"Yes. We have the same goal. All I ask is for your cooperation. I have a lot of power and leeway within the Door-Mension. I can make sure you succeed. So…do we have a deal?"

Chubz holds out his hand, now coated in black flames. Light contemplates this in his head, until he's finally made his mind

"No."

Chubz cheerful demeanor changes, his Cheshire smile twitching.

"N-no?! What do you mean no?"

"I've got a good thing going on." Light explains. "And pawns who will do as I say. I'm not going to throw away my carefully and well orchestrated plans and just risk it all on you, even if you are a fan. I hope you understand."

Chubz manages to maintain his usual enthusiasm. "Yes, yes, of course. I understand. But should you change your mind, I'll be waiting for you to come back."

"Thank you."

As Light heads back for the tent, Chubz's eyes glow menacingly.

" They always come back…."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The next day had arrived, and it was time for the big show. Surprisingly, a big circus tent was set up in the middle of the cul-de-sac, with a large sign advertising it. It said, "Meet The Visitors From Another World, Only 25 Cents for Admission!"

Double D was seen running a ticket stand right outside, with the other kids of the cul-de-sac waiting to pay for entry.

"These guys are sure to be a real treat, huh, Plank?" A bald boy holding a hunk of wood with a face drawn on it said as he paid the admission fee and went inside.

"From another world?" A boy wearing a red baseball cap scoffed as he was next in line. "What a load of malarkey. What kind of crud did you dorks do to pull that off, huh?"

"You'll be quite surprised, kid." Pete said, exiting the entrance, dressed up in a nice suit and tie combo, complete with matching top hat. "I'm Co-Ringmaster, Peter Pete Sr! At your service!"

The other kids gasped at this guy and his appearance.

"Is that guy wearing a costume?" A blonde girl asked.

"Not at all, young lady!" Pete said jovially. "I'm the one hundred percent real article!"

"He looks like the obese beasts we used to tame back home in the Old Country!" A blue-haired kid with an odd accent points out.

Pete grits his teeth at this remark, but tries to remain upbeat.

"Freaking liars!" Sarah growled. "They lied saying they were cannibals! They're probably lying about everything else!"

"It's true! I'm not even human!" Pete assures. "And a couple of our performers aren't either! We've got vampires, angels, robots, and whatever weird rat creature that equally weird brat has with her!"

Bender walks by, accidentally belching fire, as he was heading inside the tent to prepare. The kids "oooh" at this, and Pete prepares to sweeten the deal. He olds out a jar.

"Who here wants the VIP experience for today's show? For an entire extra dollar more, you get not only get an extra large popcorn and drink, but your choice of a hat or button featuring one of the main performers you'll see today, including yours truly!"

He holds out a few examples, showing cute little hats and buttons with each contestant on them, which got the kids excited.

"Throw in an extra dollar, and you get unlimited refills!" Pete proudly exclaims. "And if you want to collect all of the buttons, each one sells individually for fifty cents each!"

Pete must've rolled a nat 20 in persuasion, because the jar was filling up with more cash and change than the Eds would have believed. Eddy watches this from inside the tent, so happy that words could not describe the joy he felt.

"This guy's a natural at buttering the crowd up!" Eddy said to the contestants backstage. "Who knew he had stuff like buttons and hats ready?! We'll be filthy stinking rich at this rate!"

"Leave it to him to be a shady master of scamming." Futaba snarks.

"Lighten up, kid." Bender told her. "I'm actually excited to go out there and blow the roof off this place!"

"Let's not literally do that." Alucard says. "We dealt with an annoying forest fire yesterday. I'd rather we don't relive that."

"You guys get ready!" Eddy instructs. "Gonna have a little chat with our biggest moneymaker."

Eddy leaves, but Light soon follows after.

"Where the hell ya going, man?" Bender asked his friend.

"Gonna go check on Pete." Light answers. "I don't know why, but I have this feeling he's gonna screw this all up. He has a tendency of doing so in the 11th hour."

"I don't blame him." Futaba mutters. "His dumbassery cost me one of my closest friends here."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Outside, Pete was seen happily counting through a huge stack of bills, now that everyone had paid they're hard earned money for the big show.

"You're doing great, Pete!" Eddy congratulates. "Wish we could've met sooner. You and I could really make a great team!"

"You think so?" Pete said.

"Heck yeah! Our skills, and your smooth talking, we could be millionaires! We could take our scams worldwide!"

Pete thinks this over in his head. If that were the case, he wouldn't need the prize money from the game. He could make even more than that. Besides, there wasn't a guarantee he'd win the money in the end.

"You know what?" Pete declares. "Consider it done. I quit the game!"

Light had immediately stormed out of the tent, having heard this.

"What?!" Light snapped.

"You heard me." Pete said defensively. "The get rich quick opportunity is staring me right in the face with these Eds. Besides, this guy gets me! He wouldn't leave me in a cage unless I promised to do whatever he said!"

"Um…..okay." Eddy said awkwardly, not sure what he meant by that last part.

"You can't be serious." Light tells him. "I've helped you get this far! All you've done is act selfishly and screw us over!"

"This game has done nothing but turn me into some punching bag!" Pete retorted. "And this is my big break! To heck with the game, I'm gonna be filthy stinking rich! You hear that, Cat?! I quit!"

Chubz appears in front of them, much to Eddy's shock.

"WHO THE HECK IS THIS GUY?!"

"Are you sure you want to make this decision?" Chubz asks. "Because there's no take backs."

"I'm sure!" Pete says confidently. I'm not letting a business opportunity like this pass me! So feel free to move on without me!"

"You fucking idiot…" Light seethed.

Eddy and Pete go back inside, laughing it up at how rich they'll be.

" Pawns who will do as you say," eh, Yagami?" Chubz jabs, much to Light's frustration.

"I hate to say it, but you're right." Light bitterly admits. "If he's that ready to jump ship….then I suppose I'll need the help."

"You're serious, Lord Kira?" Chubz asked excitedly.

Light nods.

Chubz grins widely, and holds out his hand, once again coated in black flames.

"Then let's make it official. I, Chubzworth Rutherford Chokola, promise to lend you my aid in winning the game, and seeing our dreams come to fruition. Should one of us fall in the process, the other will carry out the task, along with all of the fallen's powers at their disposal."

Light also holds out his hand, his coated in red hot flames from his Orochi powers.

"I, Light Yagami……no, I, Kira, accept your deal."

With that, both shake on their deal.

"You know…" Chubs brings up. "Pete did help raise enough money for the next door to open. What say you all go ahead and get going before the show starts? That'll really leave him with one last fuck you before you part ways with him."

Light grins maliciously. "With how much he's upset me, he deserves this punishment."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Light and Chubz appear backstage in a puff of smoke, where the contestants, the Eds, and Pete were preparing.

"Little kittens, it's time to be leaving." Chubz tells them.

"Wait, now?!" Futaba said in disbelief.

"Yes. Pete here has triggered the next door, and willingly decided he'd stay behind."

A door just like the last appears from the ground in a spark of blue flames.

"Hey, they ain't leaving yet!" Eddy snapped.

"Yeah, we still got a show to put on!" Pete adds.

"Sorry, but this decision is final. Once the door appears , it doesn't matter what you're doing. It's time to bid the world goodbye. You don't get to pick when you leave once the door reveals itself.

"If that's the case, then I suppose it's adios." Panty says, already opening the door and going inside. "Hurry up, you guys. I never liked the circus anyway.

"Wait, don't leave yet!" Pete cried, as Alucard and Yami entered the door.

"MY MONEYMAKERS!" Eddy cries, as Futaba enters next.

All that was left was Percy, Bender, Malfoy, and Light.

"Guess this is where we part ways." Percy says, entering the door next. "It was an honor working alongside you, Pete."

"Really wish we had more time to hang out, man." Bender said, entering next.

"Good riddance you fat bloke." Draco said, entering next.

"Et tu, Draco?" Pete whimpered. "We've been partners since the start!"

"Nothing personal."

Before Light goes in, he looks at a crying Pete one last time, and smiles.

"It was fun, but….who am I kidding, that's a lie, fatass. When you upset a god, you get what you pay for…"

Light goes inside the door, and it finally disappears in flames again. Chubz gives one last wink and disappears, leaving Pete and the Eds alone.

"What do we do now, Eddy?" Ed asked.

"Our stars have abandoned us." Double D said. "Frankly, I don't blame them."

"Now we have no show!" Eddy shouted.

"Yes we do!" Pete said, picking himself back up. "You got me! I'll give them a show they'll never forget!"

(Five minutes later…)

The kids were all booing and throwing their food and buttons at Pete. The big guy was dressed as a clown, juggling pies on a unicycle. Pete is knocked off his unicycle by well aimed button hitting him in the family jewels.

"Critical hit, fat dork!"

Pete gets up and groans, only for the pies to fall back down and hit him in the face.

"WAIT, I TAKE IT BACK, CAT!" Pete cried, bawling his eyes in front of everyone. "PLEASE LET ME BACK IN THE GAME! IT'S NOT FAIIIIIIR!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

How fitting for Pete to basically get the Anne Maria treatment. Farewell, you fat scoundrel. You were fun until the very end.

Now, we've finished our first stop in the Door-Mension. While there wasn't as much happening in this episode, I wanted to give them a breather after four or five episodes in a row of nonstop action. Plus for a bit of set-up for stuff coming soon, lore, exposition dumping, and a bit of reflection amongst some of the cast. Next time though, that won't be the case. Another dangerous scenario is set up for our final 8.

Next time, our cast will be teaming up with a motley crew of rowdy mercenaries. Do they have what it takes to actually slay a real life dragon? Well, both them and the mercs are probably getting in over their heads. You'll laugh, you'll cry, maybe even chant HEE-HO!

That's all for now. Thank you for reading, and feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions. This is MemeKing, signing off.