4 Stone Golems, each different from one another, formed from the blasted remains of the Stone Ape, are now facing the young Exorcists, who are prepared to fight again, despite feeling slightly weary.

Ryuken quickly went back down into the bush, holding the sword bag in fear, wondering how they would end this Demon for good.

KOUGA: (pants) I can't tell if this is getting easier... or harder.

MIE: L- like Kenzaki-kun said; we just have to break the head.

TSUYUKI: Yeah... there's just one problem...

MIE: ...?

TSUYUKI: Where the hell IS the head?!

A child-like, shadowy figure can blurrily be seen moving around within the forest. It hides behind a tree, observing the young Exorcists and the Stone Golems.

One of the Golems starts moving at them.

The Golem raises its right hand as it starts to form into a hammer-shaped fist.

KENZAKI: Get ready!

Behind it, a beastly four-legged Golem is excitedly wagging its tail and panting its breath, eager to chase down the young Exorcists.

As the Hammer Golem lifts its hammer higher, the Beast Golem starts dashing recklessly at the four of them.

TSUYUKI: (glares tiredly)

MIE: (stares anxiously)

KOUGA: (anticipates cautiously)

The Hammer Golem swings his hammer down at the four-

KENZAKI: Spread ou-

BONK!

-but accidentally hits the Beast Golem's head that surprisingly came out of nowhere.

KENZAKI, TSUYUKI, MIE, & KOUGA: ...?!

BEAST GOLEM: (growls angrily)

Enraged, the Beast Golem pounces at the Hammer Golem and pushes it to the ground.

BEAST GOLEM: (barks loudly at its face)

Shocked and confused, the young Exorcists observes quietly at the scene before them.

KOUGA: ...

MIE: ...

TSUYUKI: ...

KENZAKI: ... easier, maybe?

Another Golem rushes towards them, furiously punching forwards.

They step away, but the Boxer Golem keeps attacking until it solely focuses on Kouga, who keeps dodging his head away from its hard hits.

KOUGA: Hey! (ducks) Take it easy!

The last Golem approaches from behind the three, unsuspectingly extending its vine-like tendrils from its arms. Kenzaki quickly notices, turns around and slices the tendrils with his swords.

Tired of the Beast Golem's muddy barks, the Hammer Golem violently pushes the Beast Golem away.

HAMMER GOLEM: RAAHHH!

As the Vine Golem creates more and more of its long, slithery tendrils-

TSUYUKI: ... nope.

-it extends them outwards and launches them at the three-

CRASH!

-only to get knocked down by the flying Beast Golem.

THUMP!

Both Golems are lying quietly on the ground, as the three observes them, even more confused.

KENZAKI: ...

TSUYUKI: ...

MIE: ... maybe we should just let them-

TSUYUKI: Mie!

BASH!

Tsuyuki pushes Mie from the Hammer Golem's surprising crushing attack.

They're both laying on the ground, as the Hammer Golem menacingly walks to them.

As it prepares to attack again, Kenzaki fires an energy arrow at it.

HAMMER GOLEM: ...?

KENZAKI: This way!

The Hammer Golem changes its attention and goes after Kenzaki.

MIE: ... we have to help Kenzaki-kun.

TSUYUKI: I'll deal with it. You help that Knuckle-

MIE: Ah! Yuki-chan!

A soil tendril rest on her shoulder.

TSUYUKI: (notices it)

MIE: ...

TSUYUKI: (internally freaking out)

MIE: C- calm dow-

TSUYUKI: AHHHHHHH!!!

She quickly moves away and slices it.

TSUYUKI: (pants fearfully)

From afar, the Vine Golem extends more of its tendrils towards the two.

Tsuyuki slices more and more of them, but it still keeps coming as it grabs Tsuyuki's spear.

She tries to pull it away-

TSUYUKI: Ergh...

-but the Vine Golem pulls her instead.

TSUYUKI: Ah!!!

MIE: Yuki-chan! Wai-

BEAST GOLEM: (growls)

MIE: ... uh...

Mie slowly turns around to see the Beast Golem, menacingly staring at her.

BEAST GOLEM: (growls wildly)

MIE: (sweats profusely)

BEAST GOLEM: ...

MIE: ... nice doggie...

BEAST GOLEM: ...

MIE: ... g- good doggi-

BEAST GOLEM: GRRRAAAAHHH!!!

MIE: AHH!!!

Mie sprints away from the Beast Golem as it madly chases after her.

BEAST GOLEM: GRRRAAAAHHH!!!

MIE: AHHHHHHH!!! WHY ME?!

From afar, Kouga is still facing against the Boxer Golem.

It attacks him again and again, but Kouga easily dodges them while cracking a teasing grin.

BOXER GOLEM: (punches at him)

KOUGA: Come on!

BOXER GOLEM: (punches again)

KOUGA: You can't touch me!

BOXER GOLEM: (punches again)

KOUGA: You ain't fast eno-

BAM!

KOUGA: Oooff!

The Boxer Golem finally lands a punch at Kouga's stomach. It steps away and raises its fist in joy.

KOUGA: (grunts) ... lucky shot...

BOXER GOLEM: (teases Kouga)

KOUGA: (chuckles) Getting cocky already, huh?

Kouga readies his fist. The Boxer Golem does the same.

KOUGA: Come on, baby...

Kouga, smiling eagerly, gestures at the Boxer Golem to come at him.

KOUGA: ... let's rock.

The Boxer Golem charges at Kouga, as they both attack each other.

Punch after punch, hit after hit, the fight heats on.

Meanwhile, Kenzaki faces the Hammer Golem alone, shooting arrow after arrow.

Unfazed, the Hammer Golem raises his hammer to crush him.

CRASH!

Kenzaki dodges it. He then steps on the grounded hammer and jumps above the Hammer Golem.

He conjures a giant energy hammer in mid-air and swings it down as hard as he can.

KENZAKI: HHAAAAA!!!!!

SMASH!

The energy hammer breaks as it firmly hits the Hammer Golem's head.

As Kenzaki safely lands on the ground, the Hammer Golem stood silently, with no reaction.

HAMMER GOLEM: ...

KENZAKI: ...

HAMMER GOLEM: ...

KENZAKI: ... that ended pretty qui-

HAMMER GOLEM: RRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Hammer Golem furiously rushes at Kenzaki, violently smashing his way.

Kenzaki conjures an energy shield to block, but it breaks with every fierce blow, leaving him no opportunity to counter.

KENZAKI: Ghh!

Tsuyuki is still struggling to escape from the Vine Golem as it pulls her closer and closer.

She cuts a few of the tendrils, just enough to spin her spear around and slice every tendril around her.

The Vine Golem grows more and more tendrils and extends them towards Tsuyuki.

She starts spinning her spear, charging it with energy and launches a wind slash to both its arms, slicing and dropping them to the ground.

TSUYUKI: (pants)

Despite her efforts, the Vine Golem continues to grow more and more tendrils from its shoulders, as they creep their way towards her.

TSUYUKI: ... I really hate you.

Mie is still running away from the raging Beast Golem.

MIE: NICE DOGGIE! NICE DOGGIE!

BEAST GOLEM: (barks furiously)

She then halts to face the Beast Golem and presses her palms together.

As it comes closer, a bright, colourful sparkle shoots out of her hands, confusing and distracting the Beast Golem.

As it stares deep into the sparkle with curious eyes, she quietly goes behind it and slowly wraps its body with her cotton strips.

But the Beast Golem notices and starts flailing around, dragging Mie with it.

MIE: AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

The Beast Golem starts dashing, pulling Mie into the air.

Mie pulls herself to the Beast Golem, sits on its back, riding it as it wildly moves around the field.

MIE: AHHH!!! STOP!!!

RYUKEN: Oh no!

Ryuken is still behind the bushes, worrying as he watches them handling each of the Golems.

The child-like figure moves through the forest, running behind Ryuken. It steps on some crunchy dry leaves.

RYUKEN: (alerted) Wha?! What was that?

He turns around to see nothing but the deep forest, unsure of what made that noise.

TSUYUKI: (slashes her spear) WHERE IS THE GODDAMN HEAD?!

KOUGA: (fighting back) COULD IT BE HIDING... (dodges an attack) IN ONE OF THEM?! (gets hit) Oooff!

TSUYUKI: BLOW THEM UP, KENZAKI!

KENZAKI: (conjures another shield) I'm... busy... (shield breaks again) USE YOUR SEALS, MIE!

MIE: (riding on the Beast Golem) AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

Ryuken can do nothing but hide.

RYUKEN: ... if only...

Unaware, the child-like figure creeps in closer and closer behind him.

As it closes in, it steps on a twig, alerting Ryuken.

RYUKEN: (turns around) Wha-

BEIRUL: WHERE IS MY MASTER?!

He sees Beirul's giant, intimidating head, disproportionately attached to a small body made of soil.

RYUKEN: AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

Ryuken quickly runs out of the bush.

BEIRUL: You can't run forev-

Beirul trips on the ground-

BEIRUL: Ah!

-and falls flat on his big face.

BONK!

BEIRUL: ... errgh...

As Kenzaki clashes his greatsword with the Hammer Golem, he sees Ryuken running away.

KENZAKI: Ryuken! Don't-

He then sees little Beirul, chasing after him.

KENZAKI: The- the Stone A-

The Hammer Golem attacks again, but Kenzaki managed to dodge it.

He then leaps over it to help Ryuken, but the Hammer Golem pulls his leg and throws him to the ground.

KENZAKI: Gah!

As Kenzaki lies in pain, the Hammer Golem proceeds to crush him.

KENZAKI: Ah!

Kenzaki quickly conjures a giant energy shield above him.

BASH!

It hammers down the shield over and over, cracking it with every hit.

BASH! BASH!

KENZAKI: ... SOMEONE... HELP... RYUKEN!

Kouga is stuck in a submission by the Boxer Golem.

KOUGA: ... I'll be there... once I'm... done with this...

Mie is still riding the Beast Golem.

MIE: I. CAN'T. CONTROL. IT!!!

As Tsuyuki slices more and more of the tendrils, she charges at the Vine Golem and slashes it repeatedly-

SHINK!

-knocking it down.

VINE GOLEM: ...

She stands before the weakened Vine Golem, slowly piecing itself back together.

TSUYUKI: (pants)

KENZAKI: ... TSUYUKI!!!

TSUYUKI: (turns to him)

KENZAKI: (struggling) R- Ryuken... HELP RYUKEN!

Tsuyuki sees Ryuken, running upwards a hill with Beirul on his tail.

She silently observes him, not flinching a muscle.

She then turns to the Vine Golem, fixing itself.

Without hesitation, she runs towards the Vine Golem, leaps over it, catching its attention.

TSUYUKI: (whispers) ... come on...

The Vine Golem notices Tsuyuki and stands up on its tendrils.

TSUYUKI: ... don't you want me?

Like an insect, it stands on its viny legs and chases after Tsuyuki.

She runs away from the Vine Golem, away from Ryuken.

Kouga sees Tsuyuki running away from it.

KOUGA: ... she seems... busy...

The Boxer Golem squeezes him tighter.

KOUGA: Arrgh!!!

Kenzaki slowly recovers his shield as it cracks with every hit.

KENZAKI: (grunts) ... I have... to be there...

Ryuken, with bags all around him, sloppily runs up the hill.

Little Beirul catches up and grabs his bag from behind.

RYUKEN: Gyah!

Ryuken tries to shake him off, only to shake his bag out.

Beirul drops with the bag, unloading its contents over the ground.

RYUKEN: Ah! My prized collection!

BEIRUL: (gets up)

RYUKEN: Uh... never mind.

With only the sword bag in his arms, he continues to run forwards, but Beirul swiftly catches up again and grabs his leg.

RYUKEN: Ah!!!

BEIRUL: What have you done to Master?!

Ryuken hits him with the bag.

BEIRUL: ... st... stop!

Ryuken falls as Beirul forcibly pulls his leg, dragging him to the ground.

RYUKEN: Ah!

Beirul pounces at Ryuken, but he managed to shield himself with the bag.

Beirul tightly grips the bag and tears it open, dropping the katana to the ground.

RYUKEN: ... erg...

Ryuken pushes Beirul away with all his strength.

BEIRUL: Ah!

He notices the katana and grabs it from the ground. Tiny sparks flow from the katana to his hand.

Beirul creeps at Ryuken, who tries to fight back by swinging the sheathed sword at the Demon.

Beirul grabs the katana by the sheath, but Ryuken pulls the sword away, unsheathing it, revealing the sharp metal blade.

He shakily points it at Beirul, who seems unafraid.

BEIRUL: You have no fight in you, boy...

RYUKEN: (pants fearfully)

BEIRUL: To think that my Master's Sense is in you, of all people...

RYUKEN: (sweating anxiously)

BEIRUL: What a disgrace to his name-

RYUKEN: (shaking)

BEIRUL: -to his legend...

RYUKEN: (grips the sword tighter)

BEIRUL: I believe you, boy... I believe that you don't have the answers. I can accept... that my Master will not return.

RYUKEN: (pants a little more calmly)

BEIRUL: But... I cannot accept... this weakling... carrying on my Master's legacy.

RYUKEN: (frightened)

BEIRUL: As his loyal soldier, I will honour the memory... of my one and true Master-

RYUKEN: (deep in fear)

BEIRUL: -BY ENDING YOUR LIFE!

Beirul bolts at Ryuken with deadly intent.

RYUKEN: AHH!!!

Ryuken screams in fear as he timidly points the katana at him.

As Beirul pounces at Ryuken, the bladed edge slightly grazed the Stone Ape, and from it, white lightning sparks out.

RYUKEN: Wha-

BEIRUL: Ah-

KRAKOOM!!!

...

The bright flash blinded him temporarily, but he still managed to slowly open his eyes, only to see nothing but darkness surrounding him. He can still see his hands and feet, but everywhere is pitch black. He walks forward but is unclear of where he's going.

Lost and confused, he stood silently by himself, until a giant silhouetted figure, eyes glowing red, walks to him from behind. Hearing the figure's breath, he turns around, and to his shock and delight, after many years, he finally gets to see his Master again.

BEIRUL: Master! Is that truly you?

BEAST: Hello, Beirul. You look... good yourself.

BEIRUL: ... ah?

Beirul looks at himself, remembers he is still small.

BEIRUL: Ah! (blushes) ... if... if only I were more... presentable... I'm sorry, for tainting your eyes with my... crudeness...

BEAST: (laughs)

BEIRUL: Ah?

BEAST: (smiles) It's nice to see you again, Beirul.

BEIRUL: Ah! (bows down) It's great to see you again, Master! Ah... (raises head) this must be your... Lightning Telepathy, am I correct? I have never experienced it before, so it all feels new to me.

BEAST: This is the only way I could talk to you, Beirul. I could still use some of my powers, but only through the sword.

BEIRUL: The- the sword?

BEAST: Well, the thing is... the sword that you saw before, I'm inside of it.

BEIRUL: What?!

BEAST: Yes. It is a Demon Weapon. And-

BEIRUL: How dare they trap my Master inside such a feeble and cruel tool!

BEAST: Beirul, it's-

BEIRUL: I will release you from this prison, once I am done with these foolish Exorcists!

BEAST: Beirul, don't-

BEIRUL: And I will find whoever trapped you in that prison, and kill them in your-

BEAST: Beirul!

BEIRUL: Ah?! (bows down) Apologies for my loud mouth, Master... but I promise... I will make you proud when I break you from this hellish curse.

BEAST: That... is what I want you to not do, Beirul.

BEIRUL: M- Master?

BEAST: I am trapped, that is true. But I wanted to be trapped. I asked for this, Beirul. And I am asking you to leave me be.

BEIRUL: W- what? But, Master-

BEAST: I am also asking... to leave the young ones unharmed, especially Ryuken.

BEIRUL: R- Ryuken?

BEAST: The boy you tried to kill.

BEIRUL: Th- that boy?! He- he carried your Sense!

BEAST: Yes... yes, he does.

BEIRUL: But, how is that possible?

BEAST: The impossible, at times... can be possible.

BEIRUL: Do- do you know the boy, Master?

BEAST: ... long before he knows me.

BEIRUL: B- but, why you would want this prison, Master? How could you ask such a thing?

BEAST: I'm doing this... for the boy, Beirul.

BEIRUL: ... wha...

BEAST: (whispers) ... for his mother.

BEIRUL: I... I still don't understand, Master.

BEAST: Beirul...

BEIRUL: When I Sensed you, I had hopes that... you would return to us... that you would bring order to the World Under once more.

BEAST: (looks down)

BEIRUL: ... and I hoped that... that I could be by your side again...

BEAST: ...

BEIRUL: ... Arcoleon...

BEAST: (looks up)

BEIRUL: ... he is still out there, Master.

BEAST: ... I... I can't be there for you anymo-

BEIRUL: But why, Master? Why the boy? Why would you ever throw your life for a mortal?

BEAST: ...

BEIRUL: ...

BEAST: ... we have lived too long, Beirul. Too long to wonder what the future holds for us... too long to seek pleasures that fade too quickly...

BEIRUL: ...

BEAST: But I found something, Beirul. Something that I'm willing to give my time on... something that drives me to move forward. Even when it fades, I know that I will not regret it, and...

BEIRUL: ...

BEAST: ... if I endanger the boy's life, especially... when I am the reason, that he suffers... that he hurts... that he...

BEIRUL: ...

BEAST: ... I can't bring myself to that.

BEIRUL: ...

BEAST: If I do... all of those moments, will be wasted... and I will never forgive myself for it.

BEIRUL: ...

BEAST: ... please, Beirul. If you allow me to be selfish... just this once... leave me and the boy be... and forget me.

BEIRUL: ...

BEAST: ...

BEIRUL: ... no.

BEAST: Beirul-

BEIRUL: I will never forget you, Master.

BEAST: ...?

BEIRUL: I will never forget your strength... I will never forget your courage... I will never forget your fire... and... I will never forget... your kindness, Master.

BEAST: Beirul...

BEIRUL: I am proud to be your soldier, not because of your power... but because you have always treated me with respect. You trusted me when no one even sees me, you believed in me when no one wanted to. You cannot ask me to forget these moments, Master... because they make me who I am today.

BEAST: ...

BEIRUL: And I can never forgive myself... if I can't even respect my Master's wishes! (bows down) I will do as you say, Master. As your loyal soldier, I will fulfil your every command!

BEAST: (smiles) ... Beirul, please. You don't have to see it as an order. Just... think of it as a friendly request.

BEIRUL: Ah... if- if that is your wish, then... I will treat it as one then, Master!

BEAST: (chuckles) ... and... Beirul.

BEIRUL: (raises his head) Y- yes, Master?

BEAST: (smiles sadly) It really... really is great... to finally see you again.

BEIRUL: (sobs) ... uh... (bows down) Master! Seeing you again... means so much to me. All this time... I knew you were alive. I knew that my own Master will not die that easily. (sniffs) ... I am honoured... I AM TREMENDOUSLY HONOURED... TO HAVE YOU AS MY MASTER!

BEAST: (smiles proudly)

BEIRUL: (sobs gratefully)

BEAST: And... Beirul?

BEIRUL: Yes, Master?

BEAST: Please don't... say things like... tainting my "legend" or "legacy" or... anything like that.

BEIRUL: Uh... (nods his head) Yes, Master!

BEAST: And try not to solve all your problems with your fist. They can't always do the talking.

BEIRUL: (nod his head) Yes, Master!

BEAST: You... also don't need to call me Master. Just say my name. Like anyone would.

BEIRUL: (nod his head) Yes, Master!

BEAST: (gives up, chuckles) And Beirul?

BEIRUL: Yes, Master?

BEAST: (smiles) Take care of yourself out there.

BEIRUL: (sobs) I... I will!

...

SMASH!

The Hammer Golem breaks Kenzaki's energy shield into pieces.

KENZAKI: Khh...

The Vine Golem keeps chasing after Tsuyuki.

TSUYUKI: (pants)

The Boxer Golem throws Kouga at a tree, injuring his back.

KOUGA: Ghah!

The Beast Golem slowly stops as it starts to calm down.

BEAST GOLEM: (pants)

MIE: (pets it) There, there. That's a good doggie. Who's a good doggie?

BEAST GOLEM: (wags its tail)

As the Hammer Golem raises its hammer again for one more crushing blow, Kenzaki tiredly pants as he prepares himself to conjure another shield.

KENZAKI: (pants)

KRAKOOM!!!

A flash of lightning came from the hill.

The Hammer Golem slowly lowers his hammer, turns around and walks away.

KENZAKI: Wha?

The Vine Golem stops chasing Tsuyuki and retreats to the hill.

TSUYUKI: Ah?

The Boxer Golem turns away and walks to the hill as well.

KOUGA: (lying on the ground) H- Hey! (painfully grunts) Where are you going?

BEAST GOLEM: (starts running up the hill)

MIE: AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

KENZAKI: They're going after Ryuken! (runs to the Golems)

TSUYUKI: (follows Kenzaki) Hey, Knuckle Head! Get up!

KOUGA: (grunts) Okay... just... let me... (tries to get up, fails) ... I'll be there in a second.

Ryuken fell to the ground, slowly opening his eyes after being blinded by the flash.

He sees Beirul deeply staring at him. Scared, he points the katana at him.

As the Stone Golems starts to emerge, Ryuken drags himself further away in fear.

The Stone Golems break into pieces, reassembling themselves with Beirul.

The Beast Golem breaks away, dropping Mie to land on her bottom.

BUMP!

MIE: Ow!

KENZAKI: Mie!

Kenzaki runs to her and offers her a hand, helping her stand up.

As Beirul grows larger with every piece, Kenzaki, Tsuyuki and Mie run to Ryuken and stands in front of him, facing Beirul.

All three are ready to battle again, while Ryuken lays on the ground, fear for his life.

KENZAKI: (stares determinedly)

TSUYUKI: (glares tiredly)

MIE: (anxious, but ready)

Beirul silently stares at Ryuken, who stares back with terrified eyes.

BEIRUL: ...

RYUKEN: ...

BEIRUL: ... RYUKEN BOY!

RYUKEN: ... ah?!

BEIRUL: As per my Master's wishes, I would no longer harm you and your friends anymore.

KENZAKI, TSUYUKI & MIE: ...?

RYUKEN: W- wha-

BEIRUL: I have caused great damage to you and everyone else throughout my search today. While I cannot fix them all... as my hands are built for destruction, all I can offer is my deepest apology. (bows down)

RYUKEN: Ah?!

BEIRUL: I hope you could forgive me for all of my wrongdoings.

KENZAKI: ...

TSUYUKI: ...

MIE: ...

BEIRUL: ...

RYUKEN: ... uh...

BEIRUL: (raises his head) But, if you ever need my help, I would gladly aid you in your perils. (stands up) Just like my Master, I will treat you with great respect and unrelenting loyalty.

RYUKEN: ... um... okay?

A fiery portal opens up from above.

BEIRUL: Take care of Master for me. I trust his life in your hands.

RYUKEN: Uh...

BEIRUL: (leans closer to Ryuken)

RYUKEN: (flinch in fear)

BEIRUL: And I hope to be of service to you one day, Young Master!

Beirul jumps high into the portal, closing it once he enters, immediately leaving the scene.

KENZAKI: ...

TSUYUKI: ...

MIE: ...

RYUKEN: ...

Kenzaki, Tsuyuki and Mie all turn to Ryuken, deeply confused at what they have witnessed.

RYUKEN: ... uh...

TSUYUKI: What exactly did you do?

RYUKEN: I uh... I got scared and... run away from the bush and... he followed me-

TSUYUKI: Skip to the end.

RYUKEN: I... I hit him with the sword, I think I hit him with the sword?... it's kinda unclear. There was lightning coming out of it-

KENZAKI: The lightning? That was you?

RYUKEN: It- it was- it was the sword... and after that, he got big and... left, like what you saw just now.

KENZAKI: ...

TSUYUKI: ...

MIE: ...

RYUKEN: Look. I am as clueless as everyone here. I have no idea what just happened.

MIE: ... so... I guess that's that.

KENZAKI: It... seems like it.

TSUYUKI: (shrinks her spear to a pencil) Not how I would expect it. (tucks it in her pocket) He called you "young master" just now, right?

MIE: He did!

TSUYUKI: What was that all about?

RYUKEN: I- I don't... I don't know what it means. I don't know what any of it means...

KENZAKI: Well... looking at the bright side... I think we solved our Stone Ape problem, somehow...

MIE: Maybe the lightning scared him and he's all like (imitating Beirul) "Ah... don't strike me with your White Flash of Justice... You are my Master now..."

KENZAKI: It came from the sword?

RYUKEN: Uh... yeah.

KENZAKI: May I?

Ryuken hands the katana to Kenzaki. As he grabs it, his eyes start to sharpen.

RYUKEN: ... what's wrong, sempai?

KENZAKI: ... nothing's wrong. It's clearly a Demon Weapon. And somehow... you're able to use it.

TSUYUKI: How could he use it?

KENZAKI: I don't know... but, for what it's worth, you... actually saved us, Ryuken.

RYUKEN: Uh... I did?

KENZAKI: Miraculously.

TSUYUKI: (bewildered)

MIE: (grabs Ryuken's hands) You're our hero, Ishinara-san!

RYUKEN: Uh... um... thank you? I- I mean... you're welcome? I... I don't know how to respond... to that.

KOUGA: (walking slowly from afar) Hey, guys! (grunts in pain) Where's the ape?!

TSUYUKI: It jumped away.

MIE: Into the heavens!

KENZAKI: And likely... would not return to come after us again.

KOUGA: What?! Really?! That was kinda anti-clim-

CRUNCH!

KOUGA: W- what?

Kouga looks down at the ground. He sees Ryuken's bag filled with his stuff and under his foot, is a broken DVD box set.

RYUKEN: Ah!!! What have you done?! (runs to Kouga)

KOUGA: Eh? Is this yours?

RYUKEN: That was a limited-edition copy of Ultra Rider Sentai: Season 3! The Wrath of Garun: Heartless Gold Edition!

KOUGA: Oh... I'm sorry.

RYUKEN: Sorry?! It's broken into pieces!

KOUGA: I mean... you can just buy anothe-

RYUKEN: There are only 50 copies in the world!

KOUGA: Then... just... buy one of the 49 left!

RYUKEN: Do you know how much I have to sacrifice to get this ONE copy?! It was my most treasured collection!

KOUGA: Then why did you bring it out in the first place?!

...

Under the glowing crescent moon, the five of them are walking down the street together.

KOUGA: (sigh) Can't believe we still have to go to school after this.

MIE: Makes you wish they give us a day off, huh?

KENZAKI: (holds the katana) We can't always abuse the Winterblack card every time.

KOUGA: Man... if we get paid for this, you won't see me complaining.

MIE: And we're not even insured.

TSUYUKI: ... aren't you too young to think about insurance?

MIE: You're never too young to think about insurance.

TSUYUKI: ...?

RYUKEN: (holding his bag) You guys... you really had it tough.

KOUGA: Well, that's just the perks that come with it.

RYUKEN: ... I... I wanna thank you-

KENZAKI: You don't have to, Ryuken.

MIE: We were just doing what we would have done.

KOUGA: Yeah, buddy. Our reward is the butt we get to kick.

TSUYUKI: Coming from the one that got his butt kicked tonight.

KOUGA: Hey... I was "this" close to beating up that rocky guy, alright?

RYUKEN: ... still, I wouldn't be walking right now... if it weren't for all of you.

Ryuken stops walking. They all notice and turn around.

RYUKEN: (bows) ... thank you... for everything! Kenzaki-sempai! Fujimaru-san! Sawai-san! Kouga-san!

Speechless, the four Exorcists are finding it hard to process Ryuken's gratitude.

KENZAKI: ...

TSUYUKI: ...

KOUGA: ...

MIE: ... I... I didn't really... do much...

KENZAKI: (looks down) I didn't go to you when you needed me.

KOUGA: (turns to Kenzaki) Well... we were all tied up... so, none of us couldn't.

TSUYUKI: (looks away)

RYUKEN: Yo- you have tried your hardest... and, for that, I feel grateful. I'm grateful that... that you even wanted to help me in the first place.

TSUYUKI: (grabs her shoulder, squeezes it)

RYUKEN: I- I may just be a guy, but... I really do... appreciate your help. So... (bows deeper) THANK YOU!

KENZAKI: ...

TSUYUKI: ...

MIE: ...

KOUGA: ... well, if no one feels like saying it, I'll say it then. (clears throat) You're welcome, buddy.

RYUKEN: (raises head, smiles)

KOUGA: (smiles) It kinda feels nice... being thanked for a thankless job.

MIE: Yeah... it's like... firing me up inside.

KOUGA: Allllriiiight!!! Ryuken!

RYUKEN: Ah?

KOUGA: You got heart in you, buddy. I can't wait to fight with you next time. (winks, thumbs up)

RYUKEN: Uh... thanks?

MIE: And don't worry about your Demon Sense, Ishinara-san. I'm gonna make a new seal that would definitely hide it. Just you wait!

RYUKEN: Ah... thank you, Sawai-san.

KENZAKI: And... since there will be some time before we register you, I'll definitely teach you some basics.

RYUKEN: B- basics?

KENZAKI: Might as well make the most of it, right?

RYUKEN: Ah... t- thank you, sempai. I mean... I don't think I could reach... to the same level as... everyone here.

KENZAKI: Well, if you ever considered using this, (shows katana) there might be a chance that you could outbest me.

RYUKEN: Ah... no... I would never-

KOUGA: (snickers) Well, if you wanna head on to Kenzaki... you gotta go through me first.

RYUKEN: (shocks, in fear)

KOUGA: (laughs) But seriously, (pats Ryuken's shoulder) we're glad to have you as one of us.

Kenzaki, Mie and Kouga smile at Ryuken, welcoming their new member of the team. Ryuken smiles back, faintly but immensely grateful.

TSUYUKI: ... okay. The night's not gonna get younger, guys. (walks away) Gotta get some rest before Lightning Boy here gets chased again.

RYUKEN: L- Lightning Boy?

KOUGA: Hey! A new nickname! You know what that means?

RYUKEN: Uh...

KOUGA: You're definitely one of us, buddy.

MIE: Yuki-chan! When can I get a mean nickname?!

KENZAKI: Lightning Boy? (chuckles)

RYUKEN: ... uh...

KOUGA: Hell Yeah! This has been a great night. We got to kick butt, get rid of the Ape, help our buddy out, nobody died-

MIE: Except for Ishinara-san's DVD.

RYUKEN: Oh... (looks down) yeah...

KOUGA: (scoffs) Mie-chan! Don't remind him of that again!

MIE: Oh... (chuckles embarrassingly) sorry...

RYUKEN: ... that's okay. I feel bad... lashing out at you earlier...

KOUGA: Y- you don't have to feel that way... I get it.

RYUKEN: Yeah... I mean... it was just a box set... of my favourite show... since I was a kid... that I bought... with the allowance that I save... for a year...

KOUGA: (sweats in guilt) Uh... d- d- don't worry, Ryuken... I promise you that I'll pay for it. (chuckles nervously)

RYUKEN: (murmurs depressingly)

KOUGA: Uh... Mie-chan! Look what you've done to him!

MIE: (looks away, pouts) I wasn't the one who stepped on it...

KOUGA: I DIDN'T MEAN TO!!!

End of Chapter 12