Miles was going stir-crazy. It had been a week since the vampire guy had tried to attack them all, and it had been a week since he was confined to the shrine. Now everyone was treating him like a kid. He couldn't even walk into the courtyard without one of his parents yelling at him.
"Hey Miles," Luz spoke up, waving a game controller in the air. "You wanna play Mario Kart?"
"No."
And he was so bored of all the games here.
Luz frowned. "Look, Miles, I know you're probably feeling cooped up here…"
"That's an understatement," Miles said. "I should be out there, Luz. Everyone is in danger until that guy is dealt with. And there's more witches now! We've gotta protect everyone who had a talisman. You heard the Doctor, there could be others with talismans, too!"
"I know," Luz said, rubbing her arm. "I've been thinking about that, too. I mean, I don't know if the new witch knows if Hunter has one. I guess not, otherwise she would've already tried to attack him, right?"
"Your guess is as good as mine—seeing as to how I'm stuck here."
"What's weirder," Luz continued. "Is that whoever is behind all of this didn't want the Collector to be here."
"Why? He's just a kid," Miles said.
"More or less," Luz said. "The Collector knows a lot of old and powerful magic."
"Can he help us?"
"I'd prefer if he stayed out of it," Luz said. "He's just a kid, you know?"
"So are you!" a familiar voice protested.
The two were surprised to see Lucifer had decided to stop by the shrine. He awkwardly waved his hand. "Um, hi. I'm here to see the shrine maiden, Rain…no…that's not right. What's her name?"
"Rei," Luz corrected. "Raine is Eda's partner."
"Right!" Lucifer said with a nervous laugh. "My bad. I've never been good at names. They all just kind of blend in after a while, you know?"
"I guess," Miles shrugged. "I think Rei's gone out on a trip with the other girls. Mako went training, and they wanted to make sure she was okay."
"What?" Lucifer paced around. "Well damn. Who's next in charge?"
"My mom or your parents? Darius?" Luz asked. "Katara?"
"Me."
His father's voice made Miles internally groan. As glad as he was to see his parents again, they kept watch on all his conversations, his actions, and pretty much everything else. He hated that he understood why, too.
Darius strolled over, "Though, I am not impartial to taking charge, either."
"Who are you?" his father questioned.
Lucifer extended a hand, "Lucifer Morningstar. Gale kind of filled me in on everything."
"Who's Gale?"
"Oh geez, Miles. Did you tell them anything?" Lucifer asked.
"Not enough," his dad said with a slight stern look. Thanks Luci.
"Gale is a wizard. He's offering to help teach the kids some spells. I've recently come into contact with one of their old friends, and she's offering to teach them some stuff that will help them ward off evil and protect them from vampires."
Luz's eyes lit up. "Gale wants to teach us magic?"
"Not only that," Lucifer grinned. "But one of those Pokémon professors is coming by so people might be able to pick out a Pokémon if they don't have one. I think he's named after a tree."
"That narrows it down," Luz said sarcastically. When no one understood her, she explained. "They're all named after trees."
"Really? What kind of saccharine coincidence is that?"
"A gen 1-8 kind of coincidence," Luz said with a grin.
"I…really don't get this human stuff sometimes," Lucifer said, scratching his head. He turned to Miles's dad. "It really is a pleasure. Your son helped me save my daughter. He used his powers when I couldn't, truly impressive."
"I just didn't want anyone to get hurt," Miles said.
"If only a majority of the humans could use their free will like that," Lucifer continued. "Then think of all the incredible things the human race could accomplish! Hell wouldn't be as crowded! There would be no need for the angels to even interfere!"
He coughed. "Ahem. Excuse me. I got a bit excited there."
"I don't get it," Josuke said. Miles hadn't even seen him come into the main room. "Isn't it like your thing to collect souls?"
"Nah. That's more so the overlord's thing to do." Lucifer shrugged. "I don't go out much. I'm not allowed on earth. But being here has been beautiful. Ugh. Now I'm being saccharine."
"So, did you ever get a guy named Kira down there? Kira Yoshikage?"
Lucifer paused and shrugged. "I don't know. I tend to stick to other…important matters rather than sinners who end up in hell. It's possible? Why? He family or something? Someone you hate?"
"He was an asshole," Okuyasu said.
"Language, bro," Josuke said. "You're in front of a captain."
To Josuke's credit, his father did seem to appreciate this.
Suddenly, a purple portal appeared in front of them.
"Annnd, that's Gale."
Gale, Professor Sycamore, Wyll, and an elf-woman with bright silver hair like the moon stepped out of the portal. Lucifer raised an eyebrow. "Wyll? Weren't expecting you today."
"True," Wyll said. "But I thought it might do well to teach some self-defense measures."
"Civic duty, Kaiba called it," Gale said.
"I do believe he was being facetious," the woman said. "My name is Shadowheart. I am a cleric of Selûne."
"And I am Professor Augustine Sycamore," the Kalossian man said. He glanced around the room. "Where is everyone else?"
"Either out or doing stuff," Okuyasu shrugged.
"That won't do," Sycamore mumbled. He clasped his hands together. "I had big news to share."
He took a breath and continued. "Nevertheless, champions and professors from around the world have decided to hold an event for helping those who might like to have partner Pokémon. I thought I might share the news here!"
"So, you're going to help us catch our own Pokémon?" Luz asked, her eyes lighting up.
Professor Sycamore smiled and nodded.
"Between Gale helping us practice magic and getting our own Pokémon, I'm not sure how today could get better!" Luz said.
Being allowed outside of the shrine would be nice.
"Wait a minute," his father cut in. "Where's this going to be, anyways?"
"Dad," Miles said, a little wearily. His dad cut him off with a look.
"At a heavily guarded arena," Gale said. "I set up provisions with a few other magic users. Not to boast, but I highly doubt any witch or vampire is breaking through anytime soon—besides Astarion. But we can trust him…to not steal souls."
"It sounds like it will be perfectly safe," Darius said.
Miles's dad looked from Darius back to Miles. He sighed and threw up his hands. "Fine. You're going to do what you want, anyways."
He walked off, leaving Miles feeling a lump in the pit of his stomach. Gale shook his head and gave Miles a sympathetic look. "Give him some time. What is youth if not for minor transgressions?"
He sensed Giorno before he asked, "Miles, are you alright?"
"I…I'm fine. I just got a lot going on right now."
"I know," Giorno said. He paused. "I'll find a way to help you, with everything. I promise."
Miles took a seat on the steps at the top of the shrine. "Thanks, man. I just don't know what to do. I know my mom and dad are mad at me, but what else was I supposed to do? My universe's Spiderman died protecting me and trying to stop Kingpin. I owed it to him to try and do something with the powers I was given."
Giorno sat down beside him. "I think it's admirable. I understand what it's like to try and set out to make the world you live in better. It's arduous and oftentimes thankless."
"Is this supposed to make me feel better?" Miles asked.
"I wasn't finished, and you know it," Giorno deadpanned. "The point I'm trying to make is this: you're not alone here. There are people who have been, and are still in, your shoes here."
Miles sighed. "I wish things could've been different. I wish I would've said something sooner. Maybe Gwen had a point about not telling our parents…"
Giorno remained silent; it seemed like he was thinking over Miles's words. It didn't matter; no matter what it was any advice was just gonna fall on deaf ears right now. Just like how his explanations to his parents would probably do the same.
"What's done is done," Wyll spoke up. He closed his eyes and shook his head. "It's best not to dwell on it. You'll lose focus on what's truly important."
"Now, come," Gale spoke with a slight smile. "The day is young, and there is much to be learned!"
…
"I just can't believe them!" Chibiusa complained. "They left to some fancy resort without me! And Mamo's there, too! I'll get Usagi for this!"
"You can always stuff mushrot into her pockets," the Collector suggested. "It'd smell so bad, and it'd be so funny!"
"I don't know if we have that," Chibiusa said. "But I can find something equally disgusting!"
"Very mature," Syaoran mumbled.
"I have to agree," Sakura said. She pursed her lips together and grimaced. "Though, sometimes I'd like to get one over on big brother when he pranks me!"
"Oh, but you can't stay mad at her," Madoka chided with a naïve smile. "She's your family."
"Family-shmamily," Silver said. "I'd make her pay for it."
"Man, I could go for a vacation right about now," Toph said. She paused. "…wait a minute. THEY NEVER LET ME PICK A VACATION! Oh-hoh, I'm gonna get Twinkletoes, Katara, and Sokka back for that. I'm long overdue!"
"Good luck with that," Hop said. He pointed to Karlach sitting on one of the concrete benches in the park. She grinned and waved at them, almost knowingly.
Distant traces of music—strings to be exact—filled the air. Karlach turned her head, seeming to recognize the music. The song sounded sad, like it should be played at a funeral. Chibiusa saw a pretty woman with long pink hair, light blueish-gray skin, and jester's outfit sitting on a cobblestone in the pakr. She began to sing:
Dance upon the stars tonight
Smile and pain will fade away
Words of mine will turn to ash
When you call the last light down
Moon reminds me of your grace
All the love I can't repay
Rest and know that I will pray
Farewell my dear old friend
Moon, sun, all remind me of your grace
Faith, care, all the love I can't repay
Moon, sun, all remind me of your grace
Faith, care, all the love I can't repay
"Alfira?" Karlach called out.
The woman turned her head before registering Karlach. She smiled and waved, beckoning them over. The kids looked to Karlach, skeptically.
"'S alright," Karlach reassured them. "Alfira wouldn't hurt a fly."
"Why's your song so sad?" Chibiusa asked. The woman sighed. Chibiusa decided to backtrack. "I-I mean, it's very pretty! It's just…"
"No, you're right," Alfira said. "I wrote the song for someone I lost. I practice it, sometimes, to try and perfect it. I want to get it right."
"I meant it!" Chibiusa insisted. "It is a very pretty song! I'm sure they'd be really proud of you!"
Alfira blinked and chuckled. "That's very kind of you, Small Lady."
"Karlach," a cold and familiar voice cut in. Seto. He walked over to them, a glare on his face ready to try and scare away any threats. "Who is this woman?"
"Relax, pup. This is Alfira. She's a bard we met on our adventure. She's super good with kids and friendly."
Alfira gave him a tiny wave, which did not seem to impress him much. "I'm sorry. I didn't know you were having a meeting here. I'll go."
"You don't have to go, Alfira," Karlach said. "Kaiba is just being careful. We've run into a long trail of bad experiences here."
"Those monsters," Alfira assumed. She nodded. "They've been everywhere. It's amazing how many I've fought off."
"They've been targeting you?" Hop asked.
Alfira nodded. "Seems like they're looking for some sort of talismans."
"I hear that word so often it gives me a headache," Seto complained, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Well, I know Kaiba would have a right fit if I offered to take you in, but Lae'zel and Shadowheart are staying with some pretty powerful people. You might be able to join up with them."
"Thank you for your counsel. I suppose Gale, Tav, Astarion, Wyll, Halsin, Minsc, Yenna, and Jaheira are staying with you?"
"Actually, we haven't seen Tav, Minsc, or Yenna recently. We're getting a little worried. No doubt Tav's gotten pulled into this. I know Astarion is beside himself."
"I hope you find them soon," Alfira agreed. She stood up and patted down her clothes. "I must be going. I don't want to keep in one place for too long."
"Smart thinking," Mokuba commented. "We're trying to get rid of the monsters and find a way for everyone to return home."
"Which is classified business," Seto swiftly reminded him.
Mokuba sheepishly looked from him to Alfira. "Right. But knowing my brother, you should be home soon."
"That's good to hear," Alfira said with a small smile. She turned to the eldest Kaiba. "We'll be in your debt if you can get us home. Should you need my services, I've been told I'm good with children."
"Oh, Wyll and I have got this lot covered," Karlach assured her. "Now, do you need someone to escort you somewhere safe? I can…'call' Wyll and ask if he might be able to help you."
"I'll consider it," Seto said, surprising everyone. He turned to Karlach. "If you vouch for her, I will trust her."
Alfira shook her head. "I'll be fine. I really don't want to be a bother."
"If that's the case," Seto began. "I need Wyll and Karlach for a meeting. The kids need to get inside."
Karlach immediately became defensive. "Why? What's gone wrong?"
"I'm not sure," Seto admitted. "But there's been spikes in multiversal energy, like small bits and pieces are being pulled in by someone."
"If that's the case," Chibiusa said. "We need to take Alfira with us! It could be dangerous for her out here!"
Seto looked from Chibiusa to Alfira, a little exasperated.
"Come now," Karlach teased. "You're not gonna say no to that face, are you?"
Seto sighed and glared at Karlach. "Fine. But just for tonight. Your overly dramatic vampire friend is a drain on my energy as it is."
"I see what you did there. Clever," Karlach mused with a slight grin. "But you're right. We need to get inside before—."
"Watch out!" Alfira called.
She pulled Chibiusa and Mokuba away from a spider the size of a baseball. It's exoskeleton was white and its eyes glowed an azure blue. It jumped towards Karlach, who seemed to be shocked it was even trying to attack her. However, and to everyone's mystification, Seto stepped in front of her. He tried to throw the spider to the ground, but it just crawled up his sleeve. Karlach jumped into action and pulled his coat off him, only to realize he was wearing a long-sleeved sweater in the middle of summer.
He scrunched up his face and hissed in pain as he finally managed to throw the spider off him. He rubbed his upper arm and picked his coat off the ground. He took one step forward and stumbled to the ground.
"SETO!" Mokuba called out, rushing over to him.
"Don't worry, I've got him," Karlach said, helping him sit up. His eyes darted to her; panic setting in, but no words came out. "Why did you do that? I'm supposed to be guarding you!"
"Read your…file…" Kaiba murmured. "Sorry…I was curious. You protected us. I wanted to see why. But…you're just good. And people took advantage of that. Happened to me. Didn't want to be Gortash. Didn't want to be Gozaburo."
When he passed out, Karlach picked him up. "Poor thing. C'mon, we need to get him home, now!"
"I'll call Wyll," Mokuba said.
Wyll Ravengard arrived on the scene and helped everyone get back to Kaiba Corp.
"Is he going to be okay?" Mokuba asked.
"Don't you worry," Wyll said. "Shadowheart, our cleric friend, will be here shortly. She will know how to help your brother."
"Besides," Toph spoke up. "He's gotten out of worse situations. He's tougher than he sounds."
What kind of tough-sounding people had Toph met? In any case, Mokuba still didn't seem convinced. Chibiusa placed a hand gently on his shoulder. "It will be okay. Toph is right. Your brother is pretty strong, from what I've seen and heard."
Mokuba gave her a small, unsure smile. "Thanks, Chibiusa."
Chibiusa felt a knot of fear growing in her stomach. She hoped the girls would get come back soon. They could sure use their help, especially if there were some new enemy on top of their current one lurking in the shadows.
…
Forming a temporary alliance with soul-sucking vampire had been easy enough for Olivia. They were after the same thing, really. Of course, to unlock all the power behind the crystalized souls, she'd eventually have to cut ties with Morlun and blast him with enough radiation to level a city. But that would be another day. For now, her experiments with Morlun, Viluy, Eudial, and Lysandre had proven effective. Pulling essences from the mixed universes that didn't have Spider totems and creating spider totems to infect selected individuals—ones that were either getting in the way or getting too close to documents not meant for their eyes. They'd be out for the day with the paralyzing venom Olivia Octavius had mixed into the bite, Morlun would know his target, and then they would be out of the way.
They'd gotten one already. The target had never been the devil. Getting the eldest Kaiba brother out of the way would be good for their work. It was just good business, after all. No hard feelings.
Plus, there were so many new scientific innovations in this extradimensional lab. And Professor Tomoe let her have endless access to whatever she felt like playing with at the time—so long as it helped. And she was obliged to do so. Healthy deadlines, freedom to explore, and hell, even the boss wasn't so bad. He at least threw a few encouraging words her way. It wasn't necessary, but it was still a nice touch.
"Who's next?" Morlun asked.
Olivia grinned.
…
Giorno didn't know if this was a bad or good idea. He'd asked Luz to distract Miles with practicing the magic Gale had taught them earlier. While they did this, Giorno had decided to try and talk to Mr. and Mrs. Morales. After everything Miles had done for him, it seemed like the very least he owed him.
But in the presence of parents, his mind seemed to freeze. What was he supposed to say to them? He was a bit out of his depth here. Druglords, stand users, witches—no problem. Parents…the tension couldn't be cut by G.E.R.
"So, you've been Miles friend this whole time?" Mrs. Morales began, seeming to want make an effort at conversation.
Giorno nodded, grateful someone had taken the initiative. "Yes. And he's important to me. I…dislike seeing him so sad."
"You think we like seeing him sad?" Mr. Morales countered.
Giorno shook his head. "No. But…how do I phrase this?" He took a deep breath and placed his hands in his lap. "I just think that maybe this is all a lot for everyone, and no one is exactly sure how to proceed. I think you have every right to be scared, upset, and what have you, but you have to understand that Miles has a reason for doing what he did."
"He won't tell us," Mrs. Morales said. "We've tried to get him to open up about it!"
"This will sound defensive, but I'm sure he was thinking of safety. He didn't exactly make the choice to be Spiderman. It was all an accident, from my understanding."
"That still doesn't explain why he didn't tell us," Mr. Morales said. "We could've done something to help him—we could've worked together!"
"I don't think he wanted you to have to deal with that," Giorno said. "If you got involved, you'd be putting a target on your back. It's best for everything to have stayed anonymous for as long as it did. Now, he's got everything to lose, and it's scaring him. This new situation with Morlun doesn't help."
"Can you help us understand who this man is?" Mrs. Morales asked. "What does he want with my baby?"
Giorno felt something like strings tug at his heart. His mother had never cared so much. He didn't know how to interpret Mrs. Morales's concern for her son. "I don't know who he is, or who he thinks he is, but I can tell you he is going to regret coming here. I won't let him hurt Miles. I swear."
It was silent for a moment before Mr. Morales spoke up. "That weird elf guy. He said your dad had some sort of offer, what was it?"
"It's…it's not one I wish to take, if possible," Giorno admitted. "But I'll do it, if necessary."
"Do you know him?" Mrs. Morales pressed.
Giorno shook his head. "I wasn't as fortunate as Miles's, concerning parents and all that."
Before anyone could get too sympathetic, he spoke up again. "I'm not looking for sympathy. I just want to keep Miles safe and happy. He's risked his life to save me, and I want to return the favor."
Giorno sighed and sat down. He decided to keep going. These two would probably be endeared by honest conversation. Seems like they needed it. "When I first came here, I had been attacked by something strong. I don't think it's any surprise to say that most people here have powers—I'm no exception. Not by a stretch. Whatever it was that attacked me separated me completely from my abilities. I wasn't able to heal or fight back. That's when the damned Radio Demon came along. He offered me my life in exchange for some of my power. If I'd have known my powers were tied to my soul, I would've never agreed. It was Miles and the others who tried to help me. And in the end, it was Miles who defended me against Alastor. I swore, now that I have all my powers and my soul back, to protect him and his family, no matter what."
Giorno gave them a smile. "And he really does care about you two. You don't understand how far he's willing to go to keep you safe."
"What do you mean by that?" Mr. Morales asked, raising an eyebrow.
Fuck. He'd said too much. Giorno turned away. "I'm sorry. I swore to Miles I wouldn't say anything to that regard."
"Is he…is he protecting us from something?" Mrs. Morales asked. "Is that why…?"
Shit. Shit! No, he hadn't meant for this to happen!
"Please, you must keep this to yourselves! I shouldn't have even…I should never," Giorno murmured. "I swore I would keep it a secret."
Someone placed a hand on his shoulder. It was Mrs. Morales. "Relax. We won't tell Miles that you said anything."
"I…" But there wasn't anything to say. He'd messed up.
"Who is he protecting us from?" Mr. Morales asked.
"I can't tell you that," Giorno said bluntly. "And you don't need to concern yourselves with that. I'll deal with it."
"Sounds like a lot to deal with," Mrs. Morales said. "Please, Giorno, just tell us something."
"I've already said too much," Giorno insisted. "I've betrayed him. My first real friend."
"I mean," Mr. Morales tried. "If the secret's out, why not just tell us?"
Mrs. Morales glared at him. "Worth a shot."
"Listen, Giorno," Mrs. Morales continued softly. "It doesn't sound like you've had an easy life, and it doesn't sound like this place has been much nicer to you. However, I get the feeling that Miles is very important to you. You care about him, and I appreciate that. But, as a mother, I just want to know: is he going to be safe? Is there anything we can do to help him?"
Giorno was quiet as he mulled over her words. "Physically? No. I'm going to keep him safe. I don't care what I have to do. Although, I'm concerned. I think you three need to try and talk things out. He's been looking for ways to make sure all three of you stay safe for ages. There have been people trying to stop him, and I'm going to help stop them, too. But please, just try to understand where he's coming from. If I had what he had, I would've done the same thing."
It was quiet for another minute before Mr. Morales spoke up. "Hey, kid, don't take deals with people you don't know. That includes your father."
Giorno didn't say anything. Ultimately, only time and desperation would tell. He'd do anything to save Miles. The truth was, he'd never felt this way for another person before. Given all the good Miles had done for Giorno and the world, well, it was something to be respected. That, and he helped him become more social, tried to keep him safe when he felt drained by the Radio Demon's magic, and didn't give up on him. Miles was different—he was better. And he'd do anything to keep that light in the world, even if it meant giving up his own soul.
"I have a lot of choices to make. Please, don't let Miles worry about them."
With that, he stood up and walked into the main room. There, everyone seemed to be panicking.
Miles saw Giorno and grabbed his arm. "Dude, something awful happened. There were so many spiders. They came in and bit people…I think they're totems!"
"Like the ones that made you…?" Giorno murmured.
Miles nodded. "They're making everyone who gets bit sick. Kaiba got bit earlier, and he's still out."
"Who have they affected so far?" Giorno asked.
"Well, Luz got bit trying to protect Amity, Then something similar happened to Zuko, then Kakyoin, and Robin. The girls let us know, over the phone, Mina is sick, probably from a bite. Karlach mentioned something about Astarion catching ill. And the lady in Kurrain Village let us know that Mrs. Von Karma and Professor Sycamore are now showing symptoms."
"Are they going to be okay?" Giorno asked.
"I don't know," Miles said. "I just got a mild fever. It wasn't this bad when it happened to me."
"Miss Shadowheart has been able to perform some healing incantations that seem to be able to reduce any pain," Amity said. "Though, there's still the matter of that guy, Morlun. Does that mean Luz is…?"
"A target," Miles murmured. He looked at Giorno. "We have to keep them safe. They're in no state to defend themselves right now. I think that's the game."
"Then that's what we'll do," Ms. Noceda said, grabbing a bat lying next to her bed. "No one is touching my baby."
"If they try, I'll claw their eyes out," Eda said, going harpy mode.
"Don't worry," Jotaro said. "They won't get past me."
However, for everyone's bold words and stances, Giorno couldn't feel at ease. Defeat Morlun by killing all the Joestars or becoming Alastor's puppet. Those were the current choices, and he didn't fancy either one. He had so much to lose. And in any situation he would lose the person he cared about most.
…
Karlach pressed a cool cloth to the young CEO's head. He'd been out for a while, wincing and whinging every now and then. Shadowheart had assured them that although there would be a change, it wouldn't be fatal. That was good. Gale and Shadowheart were currently helping Astarion through the rougher part of the fever.
Although, she was a little miffed at him for looking into her own affairs, she couldn't help but worry over him like some doting mother. As the youngest of the Kaiba siblings had explained, seems like Seto could use it. That name, Gozaburo, that was the bastard that had tortured him growing up.
"Would you like me to sit with him so you can rest?" Wyll offered.
Karlach shook her head. "I'm fine, love. I just want to make sure he's alright."
Kaiba groaned and shifted. He cracked his eyes open.
"Looks like now's your chance," Wyll said.
"How're you feeling?" Karlach asked.
"'Mmm fine."
"Doesn't sound like it. You sound hoarse. Do you need some water?"
He paused and nodded.
"I'll go get some," Wyll said, standing. He took off towards the flat's kitchen.
"Gozaburo Kaiba," Karlach began. "He sounds like a right prick."
"Mokuba told you?" Seto guessed.
"Don't be too mad at him. He was scared."
"I'm not," Seto said, trying to sit up. He failed. He sighed and stared at Karlach. "I'm sorry I read about you. I wasn't even looking for information on you. I was gifted files on everyone who has come here due to the multiversal mashup. I don't know by who, but I was…curious."
"So, you read all of them," Karlach assumed with a smirk.
"I need to know what's coming next. I need to protect my brother," Seto said.
"No, you need to rest," Wyll said, walking back in with a cup of water. "We'll protect your brother. That's our job."
"…Thank you. For helping us. I don't give thanks lightly, so, I mean it." He turned to Karlach. "I'm sorry about what that man did to you. I know how it feels to be taken in and betrayed and used."
"I know," Karlach said. "And trust me, you're not like Gortash. Gortash would've flung me in front of the spider, made sure it bit me, and then handed me over to Morlun."
"So, that's what that was," Kaiba said. "Please, you need to keep my brother safe. Don't let that vampire use him in any sort of attempt to get to me."
"You have my word as The Blade," Wyll said.
"There's no need to ask me," Karlach said. "If that brute comes sniffing around here, I'll incinerate him to ash. I don't care what I have to do."
"Thank you."
Seto seized up, gritting his teeth. Karlach gently applied a little healing salve to the cloth and pressed it back against his forehead. "Easy now. Just rest. We'll take care of things around here."
And she would. She'd also tear any bitch of a vampire who tried to hurt these pups with her bare hands. She wouldn't even need an axe.
…
Alastor levitated the spiders meant for himself and Miss Akemi in the air. This was the saddest attempt he'd seen on his life yet.
"Perhaps we should use them," Homura suggested. "It could give us more power."
"A good idea, but perhaps one we need to put on ice for now," Alastor said. "Let the vampire go after its other meals first. I have a feeling it won't be able to devour all of them. Some will fight back. And he'll eventually be overpowered. Then, we can use these spiders to our benefit."
Giorno Giovanna be damned. Given the power he got, he could force him into a deal, along with all the other pathetic little Joestar spawn out there.
"Seems like you have the world at your fingertips," a deeper, nasally voice with a hint of gravel commented.
Alastor turned to see a man with brown hair and medieval-looking clothes grinning at them as though he were the devil, himself.
"And who my you be, my flamboyant fellow?"
"Am I a friend? Potentially. An adversary? Conceivably. A saviour? Now that's for certain."
"Give us your name," Homura demanded.
"Tut tut," Alastor said. "Manners, Miss Akemi."
"My name is Rapheal," the man said, turning himself into an actual demon—with wings, claws, and all. "I come here with divine purpose."
"And what may that be?" Alastor asked.
"Why, I would like to join you," Rapheal said. "I would like to gain power, just like you two. Well, that and revenge."
Alastor's grin grew. "Come, sit down. Let's discuss!"
