*It's finally here!!!*

“Information?” Toshi rasped, his brows drawing together in confusion as he stared at the projected screen. The rest of the crew stood by silently, their attention shifting between the Da-Ku woman and their friend, waiting to see how the situation would unfold. The boy seemed barely able to support his unsteady figure, and he rested all of his weight on the Symbiote; his mouth hung open for a moment before he continued, “…What kind of information?”

Datsueba smiled again, the hundreds of creases on her face causing the shadows to shift and darken around them. He wants to know, she silently mused to herself. Of course he would… his hunger for knowledge is why the Symbiote chose him in the first place. Poor Toshi, your curiosity will be your undoing this time... “All kinds of information,” she replied, allowing the boy’s imagination to run wild for a moment. “I’m sure you have many questions- about the Da-Ku, the Symbiote, why it chose you, why you’re here… and how you can get back to where you belong.” The old woman watched his reactions closely, noticing his curiosity bloom into hope. “I know more about you than you think, Toshi. More importantly, I know what you are supposed to do. I want to help you achieve your purpose.”

The transmission blurred in Toshi’s eyes as his focus started to drift. He barely heard what she was saying, now; the only words that mattered to him were ‘back to where you belong’. Home… Toshi dared to wonder. Is she… serious? She knows how to send me back?

“I understand you’ve had multiple confrontations with the Da-Ku before,” Datsueba continued softly, “And I’m sure you have every reason not to trust me. However, I can assure you I am no longer part of their dynasty. The Emperor has banished me… he has shamed me, in front of our own family.” Now, it was Datsueba’s turn to lose focus; her black eyes stared far off as she felt her hatred for her nephew roiling. “I want nothing more than to see him fall, to end his false reign of deception. Toshi!” Her gaze snapped back to him intently. “You can help me achieve that, as I can help you understand. I have no allegiance to anyone; I have no allies with whom to conspire with. I come to you alone, to offer my assistance, in return for yours.”

Captain Gama glanced back and forth between the Da-Ku and Toshi, his eyes widening with each passing moment of silence. “My boy,” he finally spoke up. “You can’t seriously be considering this? She’s one of them! Even if what she says is true, if the Da-Ku have actually disowned her, imagine what she did to cause that. Imagine what she is capable of!”

“Believe me,” Datsueba interrupted him calmly. “The Emperor did not banish me because he fears my powers, my abilities. Anything I am capable of is infinitesimally insignificant whenever he is involved. Alas, the Emperor fears what I know. I’m one of the gifted few who’s had the opportunity to see the big picture, from all points of view.”

“And we’re supposed to take your word on all this?” Kaze sneered at her. “I mean, for someone who knows so much, you haven’t offered much proof.”

The ancient woman raised a thin eyebrow. “It is proof that you want, child? Very well.” Datsueba took a steady breath before continuing. “I can tell you that the ship you are currently guests on is not under your control at all, but his.” Datsueba pointed a bony finger towards Toshi, though she kept her gaze on Kaze. “The only reason any of you are allowed to remain is because the Master of the Symbiote has accepted you as suitable companions, and has formed a bond of friendship. That computer you have- Kaiya, I believe is her name?- takes her orders from a higher source, and none of you have ever had any influence over it whatsoever.” She paused, glancing around the room at the startled faces. “Was that enough proof?”

The bridge of the Kon-Rensa was still with silence. Gama struggled to find something to respond with; even he was amazed at how the Da-Ku woman knew about Kaiya, but at the same time, he was certain something didn’t fit. “You’re mistaken,” he finally spoke up, though his voice sounded strained. “Kaiya allowed us to commandeer this vessel long before Toshi appeared. I was the first to speak with her directly; I had to negotiate my way through those very orders you mentioned. She listened to me, she listened to logic, and accepted us as her crew.”

For a second, Datsueba’s mouth twitched upwards. “You honestly believe that? You must be aware that your ‘negotiations’ never allowed you access to even ninety percent of her database. Kaiya allowed you to stay onboard because she knew the Symbiote’s return was imminent; she needed a crew, a family to help the Master connect and harmonize with this new existence. She chose all of you because she deemed you had the necessary traits and habits to aid in Toshi’s growth. Do you think it was coincidence that you happened to be in the same system that Toshi appeared in, that you were able to come to his rescue when he needed it?”

Datsueba surveyed her audience with a piercing gaze, daring any of them to deny the logic of her words. She allowed herself a smirk when none of them could look her in the eye; they were finally feeling the weight of their roles in this experiment. “I told you… I know more about the Symbiote than any of you could possibly imagine. I have already given you that much information for free; I am willing to provide more, in return for your trust and protection.”

“Why?” Toshi finally spoke up again. He stared at Datsueba, a strange expression seeping through his exhaustion. “Why do you know so much? Why do you want us to help you?”
Datsueba’s smirk faded at Toshi’s questions. That boy… even in his state he has to ask the right questions… the ones I don’t want to answer. “I know so much, Toshi, because my husband was obsessed with you, the Master of the Symbiote… and you killed him. His name was Shinkou.”

An audible gasp echoed in the bridge. “By the stars...” Gama swore, feeling an entirely new kind of contempt rise for this woman. Even Tanshin could not retain a slight growl, remembering the pain and torture that single name had wrought upon them. The years of captivity that the pair had suffered suddenly resurfaced in their memories, reminding them of how crucial it was that they rid themselves of this woman, immediately.

“I want you to help me, Toshi,” Datsueba continued, ignoring the begrudging stares from the crew, “Because I believe we have a common interest. I believe the Symbiote brought you here to end the Da-Ku Dynasty.”

“This is ridiculous!” Gama shouted, finally losing control. “You want us to fight your war for you, that’s it! You might know a lot, but you can’t possibly claim to understand why the Symbiote is doing all of this! You’re insane!”

Datsueba paid no attention to the captain’s outrage; she continued to stare intently at Toshi as his eyes shifted back and forth, his mind racing to make sense of everything. He’s so close… I must be careful, I cannot let them dissuade him from what he knows he must do… “Toshi,” the crone urged him softly. “I do know why the Symbiote is doing all of this, I know just as much as you do about it’s purpose. I understand the ideals of growth, of progress, all these things which you have been experiencing through the Symbiote’s power. I understand that it seeks to balance out that which is chaotic, and I know that you know this as well. You must listen to me. I do not like to do this, but I must point out that your friend’s advice is influenced by my husband’s actions. How can you be certain that they are doing what is right for you, and not seeking their own revenge?” Toshi’s confused gaze finally rose up to meet hers, the space between his brows crowding together. “I married the Da-Ku Lord Shinkou for political and social status, to insure my place in the Dynasty. I did not partake in his experiments, and I still do not approve of them. I should not be held accountable for his actions, only my own. What have I done to cause any mistrust from you? Are you going to judge me based on the sins of my relatives? Will you forsake me as they have done? What will that do to aid your cause?”

“Toshi,” came a low growl from Tanshin. “Do not consider her words. I beg of you. They are poison to your thoughts, don’t let them in!”

“Will you listen to your comrades biased opinion?” Datsueba countered immediately. “Or will you heed your own reasoning?”

“Enough of this!” Gama screamed. “Kaiya, close communications and prepare the turrets. You have three parcycles to get as far away from here as you can, you hag! If you refuse, we’ll blow you right out of the stars, so help me...”

“Stop, Kaiya.”

Toshi’s soft words halted everyone’s anxiety. Gama blinked his three eyes rapidly, staring at the boy in disbelief. “Toshi… no, you can’t be serious...”

Toshi turned to him, looking fully exhausted from the weight of his responsibility. “I am, Gama. I’ve made my decision, and… I want everyone to hear it out.” He took a deep, ragged breath, turning back to the screen slowly, as if every movement caused him pain. Still, he remained standing steadfast, refusing to back down.

“Datsueba,” he addressed her hoarsely. “As much as I hate to admit this… you might be right. You’ve proven you know much about the Symbiote, and why it brought me here… your words about balance and chaos were not poison, they rang more true than anything else I’ve heard. If… if anything in this universe needs to be restored to order, it is your cursed Dynasty.”

Datsueba closed her eyes and smiled, feeling her victory secured. “I’m glad you have chosen the right path, Toshi.”

The boy narrowed his eyes defiantly. “As am I...” He heard an audible sigh of despair from the captain, and could feel the remorse of the crewmembers smothering him, as if it were clouding the very atmosphere around them. Tanshin softly laid a metal hand on Gama’s back; Kaze had to grip her chair tightly to keep herself from retaliating, and Ryu merely looked away in shame. None of them wanted to accept this decision, but it was not their place- as Datsueba had said, Toshi was in complete control, and they were merely along for the ride. This revelation shattered their very consciences, and left them feeling helpless. Now, all they could do was watch the events in their downward spiral.

“Well,” Datsueba folded her spindly hands together almost cheerfully. “If we are to begin negotiations, I should make my own needs clear. As I said, I cannot give out information without gaining something in return. I will need your protection, as well as access to your computer’s databases...”

“No.”

Datsueba’s ghost of a smile flickered. “What? Toshi… did you not hear what I said? If we are to help one another, I need your cooperation...”

“I never said I would cooperate with you,” Toshi muttered dryly. “I said I have made my decision. While you might be right about the Da-Ku and the Symbiote, and while you do know much- maybe too much- about my reason for being here, it does not make you my ally. You do know a lot, but you don’t know everything. If you did, you would understand why I cannot form this alliance.”

Datsueba’s folded fingers tightened, and their creaking joints could be heard even through the transmission. “Toshi… you are making a very big mistake. Do not turn me down...”

“How could you expect me not to?” Toshi shot back, a flare of anger suddenly burning away his fatigue. “You come here claiming to have all the answers, as if they were things one could possess. The answers I seek are free to obtain, I do not need to sell myself to you to get them. I certainly do not need to negotiate in order to understand the Symbiote, when it is right here with me. All I need to do is listen to it, and myself. That is what I am doing now… I am listening to my own reasoning, as you yourself told me to, and it tells me you are still an enemy.

“If you truly wanted to aid our cause, you would offer what you know willingly. The fact that you need protection- that you need compensation- proves that you are in this only for yourself. You are selfish, Datsueba, and it is written in every wrinkle on your wretched face. You claim you want to be my ally, but your method of achieving this is to distance myself from the allies I’ve already gained. You doomed yourself from the very start, when you tried to subtly hint that my trust in Kaiya was misplaced. Indeed, we may not know everything she does, and we cannot begin to understand why these things happen the way they do… but that is no reason to think we cannot trust her. You try to tell me my friends’ opinions are biased, that they are a bad influence on me. How can you so easily brush aside all the pain they have felt, all the suffering your late husband caused them? Do you think that will win my trust, my confidence? I’m sorry, Datsueba, but you are sadly mistaken.”

Toshi paused here, realizing his anger wasn’t enough to fully extinguish his physical pain. He closed his eyes as he attempted to catch his breath, still holding himself up with one hand on the desk. Datsueba could only watch him, her expression as white as her fading hair. This boy… even in the vulnerable state that he is, he dares to refuse my offer! In all my years, I have never…

“I’d suggest you reconsider this, boy,” Datsueba spoke in a dangerously low tone. “You are turning down a chance to gain the upper hand, to obtain an advantage over your enemy. If you refuse this, you are refusing an opportunity to get one step ahead of them. I’ve been in the Emperor’s Palace, I know how to get in and get out, the weak and strong points. You turn me down, and you turn down all of this as well!”

Toshi grimaced, although he still had enough strength to smile ironically through his hurt. “I don’t need to know where to find them, you fool. There’s no reason to chase after them.” He forced his eyes open again, and looked to the old woman; her expression almost made him laugh. “Haven’t you noticed that you Da-Ku always come to me? It’s part of the reason why I believe you’re right about them being my enemy. Even when I had no idea who you people were, when I didn’t care at all about any of this, the Da-Ku wouldn’t leave me alone. For some reason, life kept bringing them back to me, no matter what I did or how much I tried to avoid it. I never wanted to chase after them, I never cared at all about defeating them or anything like that. So tell me, with all your infinite wisdom, why the hell I would need to depend on you to bring us together?” Datsueba’s mouth fell open, and only an ancient wind blew out. “If the Symbiote truly brought me here to stop them, and I’m destined to defeat them, then I don’t need to do anything but what I’ve been doing, and that’s caring about my friends and keeping them safe. If you people want to persist on chasing after us and continually harass me, then I’ll be here, ready to defend what matters to me, to the very end. As for what is important to you, well… you’ll have to find your own way of obtaining it. You’ll find no help from us.”

The old crone couldn’t catch her breath; she was shocked beyond all disbelief at Toshi’s words. He had seen through every aspect of her plan, and shamelessly brought it’s faults into his harsh light of truth. Datsueba hadn’t even considered this answer, not in its bold and brutal entirety. She stared around the room, realizing all of the crew were watching her reaction with satisfied smiles; her knuckles began to tremble, and her jaw shook with rage. She suddenly found her breath again, but it came so fast and forced that her ribs creaked dangerously. She fastened her sharp gaze back to Toshi, unable to accept this defeat.

“You… you think you’re so smart,” she seethed between her clenched teeth. “You think you have it all figured out… pathetic. Toshi, mark my words, you will regret your decision, and you will look back on this day in despair. You believe you already know the information that I have to offer, that you understand what is to come.” In the middle of her short gasps, an involuntary and maniacal cackle escaped her. “You have no idea what is in store for you!”

Toshi closed his eyes, wishing this would end already. “I’m sure I don’t, but I know I will find out eventually. The Symbiote has led me this far, and I have survived because I’ve reacted accordingly. I didn’t need to know what was coming, I needed to be patient and face it, without expectations or conceptions of what it would be. I will continue to do so- whatever is coming, I say let it come.”

“Oh, it will, Toshi,” Datsueba snickered in mockery. “It will. You will suffer just like all the others suffered; you will know the pain that they felt. And you will not be able to face it, just like they couldn’t. You depend on yourself, on that alien attached to your arm, but it has secrets it has yet to share. If you will not listen to me, then so be it, but you must do so with this realization- the Symbiote has never told you everything there is to know. It was silent the day it bonded with you, and it remains silent still, even though you can hear it. There is so much you have yet to discover… indeed, you are nothing but a child. You have learned much, but you have yet to learn the greatest lesson of all- to fail.”

Toshi felt his eye twitch spasmodically, as some cold and uncomfortable thing crawled up in his stomach. He took a deep breath, trying to ignore her boding words. “You may be right… but I will not let myself learn how to fail from you. My decision stands. I will not ally myself with someone like you, and I will not make my friends fight your war. Nothing you can say will change that, no matter how many offers or threats you throw out.” Toshi turned slightly towards the metal egg behind him. “Kaiya, you may prepare to leave now. Ready the defense turrets just to be safe, and keep an eye on the Da-Ku’s vessel. You know what do if she follows.” Then, the boy turned back to the tremulous old lady, fixing her with a glare that set her still as a stone. “Goodbye, Datsueba. I promise you that, if I ever see your face again… I will kill you.”

As the Kon-Rensa soared past the dark, minute space vessel, Toshi slumped back into his chair and rested his head in the crook of his arm. Despite his show of resilience, he felt as if he would break any moment. I will fail… what did she mean by that? How many tests do I have to pass… No, I can’t think of this now. Relax, Toshi, now isn’t the time to worry… Even as he assured himself, his consciousness slipped away, and within moments he was asleep where he sat. Ryu stepped up behind him, holding a blanket he had retrieved from the ship’s numerous compartments; he draped it gently around his friend, letting his hands stay a moment on his shoulders.

“He never ceases to surprise me,” the warrior whispered, not sure to whom he was speaking to. To their side, Kaze nodded, her skin wavering with emotion. She watched the sleeping lad with unchecked admiration; all of them were overly relieved by his choice, and felt slightly guilty that they ever doubted him. Even Tanshin’s one good eye glistened with wetness, although he remained silent. Words could not express his gratitude to the young boy.

Captain Gama was not watching Toshi; his eyes were closed, and his hands covered his mouth gently. He seemed to be deep in meditation, although of what the crew could not discern. The frog-man took a series of slow, deep breaths, taking a long moment of silence before raising his enormous eyelids. He let his hands fall from his mouth slowly; his expression seemed far too slack, as if all emotions had been drained from him. Tanshin was the only one who could come close to understanding his pain; he knew his friend wasn’t suffering from a lack of emotion, but from an overabundance of it, to the point where it grew so heavy it simply collapsed in on itself, like a black hole. Gama stared ahead blankly, tears falling from his bulging eyes.

“Kaiya,” he croaked, his voice shaking from the strain of keeping an even tone. “Set a course for the Karmiphila System… Natsumi’s coordinates are the destination. I want you to select random detours along the way… don’t take a straight course. If anyone’s following us, I want to throw them off, just in case. Do you understand?”

“YES CAPTAIN,” Kaiya’s angelic voice reverberated. “PLOTTING A RANDOM COURSE NOW, FINAL DESTINATION KARMIPHILA SYSTEM.”

Gama sighed, as if it were a great relief to him. “Thank you, Kaiya.” He finally glanced towards Toshi, and a spasm of sympathy shook his alien features. “Everyone… listen carefully to me. You are to never forget what he did for us today… not in a million cycles...” He could get no further with his order, as his voice finally cracked and he felt the tears flow heavier. He bowed his head, ashamed of his lack of control, but no one blamed him. They knew what the decision had meant to him; they understood that Toshi had considered all of their fears, their burdens, and their flaws, when he had chosen to deny Datsueba’s attacks on them. Gama, more than anyone, had felt that dark place within him rise up, and threaten to destroy all the walls he had spent so long building around it.

“Aye, captain,” Ryu whispered to him reassuringly. “We will never forget.” He moved towards Kaze, who was sharing their Captain’s pain sympathetically. The warrior took her hand in his as she tried to keep herself steady, and the crew watched the stars drift by as they headed towards safety, each of them giving their own personal, silent thanks to the young boy who had saved them.

As the Kon-Rensa disappeared into the depths of space, so did her hopes and plans of gaining an advantage. Datsueba had not completely fathomed her own failure, and for a long time she simply sat there, staring ahead into nothing, wondering how everything could have fallen apart so suddenly.

He was right there… she kept saying to herself, over and over. He was right there… right in front of me… I had him, he needed my help, I offered him everything he wanted… knowledge, the truth, a companion to aid him in his struggle… what happened? How could he have turned me down? After what seemed like an eternity, her eyes slowly swiveled towards the direction the spaceship had departed to. There was nothing there but stars and distant planets.

He’s gone… I let this chance slip right through my fingers… Curse you! Curse you Toshi! You could have found the answer you needed, you could have been prepared for what would come! Now, you will fall… and you will drag the rest of us down with you! You have damned us ALL!

Datsueba felt her hands shaking again, and tried to calm herself. She reminded herself, once again, that she wasn’t entirely certain it could be the same, that history didn’t necessarily have to repeat itself. But it will happen… It is certain to occur before his time here is over. Toshi, will you be able to face what the others couldn’t? Will you come to terms with your own darkness? I could have assisted you… I could have prepared you for the demons you must face, but no longer. You have abandoned your fate, you have hidden yourself away from the universe. Now… now what? What do I do?

The sudden helplessness the Da-Ku woman felt made her entire body shiver. She looked around anxiously, feeling more alone than she ever had in her miserable existence. I have nothing… The Dynasty has forsaken me, the Solari are incompetent fools… Toshi, you have ignored my warnings. Soon, the greater forces will collide, and I will be defenseless… I will be wiped away along with most of this existence. I have nothing to gain anymore… Nothing…

Suddenly, a strange sensation passed through her. The old woman’s head jerked up, and she looked around, as if sensing someone close by. She realized that was exactly it- someone was trying to signal her, it was no mistake. Confusion addled her concentration for a moment, as she wondered why a Da-Ku would be here, and why he would make himself so obvious. Datsueba focused on the source, and realized it was coming from the planet below her. She gave the command for her ship to land itself, and designated the area where the energy was flowing from. As she neared the surface, she realized who was trying to reach her. You… what are you doing here? What could you possibly want?

The ship settled down, and Datsueba opened the walkway. As she tread carefully onto the rocky terrain, she spotted the man who had called her. His visibility had to be deliberate, Datsueba realized; this was one person who would never be known of, unless he wanted to be. “And just what, exactly, are you doing here, Toshiou?”

The masked Da-Ku bowed his head slightly in greetings to her. “I might ask the same of you, Datsueba. It has been some time since we last met.”

The old woman scoffed at him. “Yes, not since your brother exiled me, if I recall correctly. Thank you for bringing up that wonderful memory... Did you call me down here just to gloat?”

Toshiou shook his head, the expression in his eyes too serious for sarcasm. “I will be honest with you. I need your help.”

Datsueba threw her head back and let out a vile cackle. “Of all the things, you dare ask for my help? Ridiculous!” She set Toshiou with a deadly glare, reminding herself of his indifference to her banishment. “Give me one good reason why I would even think of doing such a thing.”

“Because it is not actually me who needs your help,” Toshiou admitted. He seemed to want to say more, but sighed instead. “It’s better to see for yourself...” In an instant, he disappeared, leaving Datsueba to stand there for a moment perplexed.

See for myself? What in the stars is… As suddenly as he had disappeared, Toshiou whisked back into view again; however, this time, he had brought something with him. The old woman could not help but peer closer at the bundle at his feet; her curiosity got the better of her, and she peeled back a corner of the wrapped cloth. When it fell back to reveal a mangled face, she recoiled in distressed alarm.

“What… Toshiou! What is the meaning of this?”

Toshiou stared at the face as well, almost mournfully. “The Symbiote was here. I’m sure you must have felt it, the magnitude of its power- that was because they were battling.” Toshiou reached down to cradle the broken Prince’s head. “The results are obvious. Enma lost.”

Datsueba stepped back from the Emperor’s son, feeling her insides knotting themselves up. “I… I don’t understand. Why are you telling me this?”

Toshiou looked up at her, his exposed eyes wide, as if the answer were obvious. “Datsueba… he will die if he isn’t taken care of. I know that his healing properties are strong, his recoveries have always been incredible… but even he cannot pull himself out of this, I’m afraid. He needs your help, only you are wise enough in this matter to assist him. He needs the strength of a Da-Ku to support him while he recovers.”

The old woman scoffed again at Toshiou, though she was still too shaken to lend the action any strength. “Then help him yourself, or get one of your brothers to. You have all forsaken me… it is none of my concern.” Afraid to be pulled in any further into this mess, she turned sharply, and began to march back to her ship.

“I cannot help him,” Toshiou called after her pleadingly, “And I cannot bring him back to the palace… Datsueba, please wait!” There was a sound of rushing wind, and Toshiou was suddenly between the woman and her vessel. “Please, hear me out...”

“Move!” Datsueba hissed at him. “Or I will erupt every particle in your entire body, so help me!”

“Enma has been exiled too.”

Datsueba’s threats cut short, and she felt as if her throat had been drained of moisture. “Wh… what did you say?”

“He has been exiled by his father,” Toshiou repeated, “Just like you. That’s why there is no one else… it has to be you, Datsueba! Please, I beg you!”

The wizened crone stared at the Da-Ku, as if judging the truth of his words. Toshiou was panting with desperation, and anxiety shone in his blackened eyes. She turned back to the Prince, lying unconscious on the ground. Exiled… is it really possible? Perhaps… perhaps there is something to be gained, after all…

Datsueba turned back to Toshiou, continuing to study him evenly. Finally, she spoke, “You say I am the only one who can help him?”

Toshiou nodded, some relief relaxing his features. “His life is in your hands. I beg you, please assist him. All you need to do is help nurture his powers; I know you understand the use of our dark powers better than anyone, you are the oldest of us. Just aid his healing powers, empower them with your own energy. He will do the rest of the work himself.”

Datsueba studied the Prince once again, a peculiar smile lifting the corner of her lips. “Yes, Enma always was a fast healer. A gift from his mother...”

Toshiou tilted his head. “The Empress? How is Shishei responsible for it?”

Datsueba snapped her attention back to him. She regarded him almost disdainfully, as if he had said something unpleasant. However, she didn’t answer him, and merely turned back to gaze at the Prince more. Finally, she relieved Toshiou of his distress. “I will help him, on one condition.”

Toshiou let out a deep breath. “Of course, name it.”

“Stay far away from the Prince, and myself.” The old woman fixed him with a demanding stare, making sure her words were heard. “You might be fast, but if I catch even a hint of you sneaking around us, I’ll make certain you won’t escape. There are things even you can’t run from, Toshiou.”

The ninja-masked man nodded in understanding. “Very well. Just please… give me your word that he won’t die.”

“I give you my word that I will do everything in my power to give him that option,” Datsueba replied steadily. “Whether he wants to continue living, however, is something I cannot promise. It is up to the Prince to decide that.”

With that, Toshiou brought the dying Enma onto Datsueba’s vessel, resting him as comfortably as he could on the metal floor. He brushed back the Prince’s white-streaked hair for a moment, gazing at his young face for what might be the last time. Finally, he forced himself to step away, and leave the boy’s fate in the hands of the exiled woman.

As he stood on the barren planet, and Datsueba ascended the walkway to her ship, she turned one last time towards him. “Toshiou,” she called to him. “Why is it so important to you that the Prince lives?”

The Da-Ku started, taken aback by the unexpected question. “The Dynasty must live on,” he finally answered. “The Emperor will not live forever, and someone must succeed him. It is the Prince’s right, and I cannot take that away from him.”

Datsueba’s face wrinkled together as she leered at him. “Don’t think you can lie to me. There is something more.”

Toshiou’s eyes wandered, as if he were trying to search for the answer himself. “Honestly… I don’t know. I’ve followed the Prince everywhere after he was exiled, trying to keep an eye on him… It just feels wrong to let him die, when I can do something to help. I… I feel sorry for him, I suppose.”

The crone looked down at him with a puzzled look. “You are an odd one, Toshiou. I don’t think I quite understand you.”

“I don’t believe I understand myself.”

Datsueba nodded, accepting his answer. “Very well then. Goodbye.”

As her ship rose into the atmosphere, and the jets ignited to full power, Toshiou whispered, “Goodbye, Enma. Please… be careful...”

Toshi blinked back into consciousness, quickly recognizing his surroundings as the sick-bay. He sat up, feeling surprisingly better- with the extent of his injuries, he supposed he had been out for quite a while. The boy pushed aside the machinery surrounding him and rose from the bed, testing himself to see how he felt. Although his limbs were stiff, and the lights seemed like needles in his skull, he was able to walk around without any pain. Shielding his face with one hand, he stepped out into the hallways.

As Toshi wandered the Kon-Rensa, he felt surprisingly alone. He made his way to the bridge, only to find no one was there. When he called out to Kaiya, she didn’t answer either. The giant window showed nothing, only darkness; no stars or planets were visible in the void. Panic began to grip him, and his mind raced with the possibilities. Did Datsueba return? he wondered fearfully. Did the Da-Ku catch up to us? Where is everyone??

Toshi darted from the bridge, ignoring his light-headedness and nausea. He made his way to the docking bay without asking for directions, and activated the lift to send him down. He realized then why it was so dark; he was in some cave, a massive one- the entire Kon-Rensa had been landed inside it. As the confusion continued to plague Toshi, he leapt the last few feet from the lift and glanced around quickly. There was a bright light coming from his left, and he made a dash towards it. His desperation fueled him forward, begging him to find out what was going on. Where’s the crew… where’s Kaiya? Where is everyone, I need to know!

Toshi finally burst forth from the cave, and the light was blinding. Once again, he had to shield his eyes as his head felt like it would shatter; he blinked rapidly, trying to adjust his eyes. As the white began to fade, and shapes came into focus, Toshi felt his anxiety subside.

“Gama?” he asked to the floating shape in front of him. “Is that you?”

“Who else, my boy?” the familiar voice replied. Soon, the massive and immobile figure that always accompanied the captain became visible as well. Toshi recognized the long, red robe, covering Tanshin’s prosthetic body. The boy almost laughed with relief.

“I… I was worried for a moment,” he admitted to the pair. “I didn’t know where everyone went… where’s Kaiya? She wasn’t onboard, did something happen to her?”
“Something certainly did happen to her,” Gama answered him, a curious tinge in his tone. “But you can ask her yourself about that.”

Gama moved aside, and soon Toshi became aware of the rest of his surroundings. As far as he could see, green fields and golden trees stretched infinitely into the horizon, the twin white suns shining boldly on all its beauty. Herds of exotic animals and beasts roamed the area, and brilliantly violet serpents with wings trailed across the open sky. Toshi forgot to breathe for a moment, wondering when he had last seen anything so naturally beautiful. The fantastic landscape, with all its vivid colors and panoramic vacancy, seemed to him like the Garden of Eden itself.

“Natsumi hadn’t lied,” Gama admitted. “This planet has barely any civilization, all wilderness; it’s the perfect place for us to hide.”

“It… it’s beautiful,” Toshi gasped, oblivious of the headache he possessed only moments earlier.

“Indeed,” Gama agreed, gazing around them with a broad smile.

After another few moments of silence, Toshi finally remembered his question. “So, where is everyone else?”

“Ryu and Kaze are gathering some food for us, and scouting out the land,” Tanshin replied. Of the three, he was the only one apparently unmoved by the planet’s scenery. “Kaiya is taking a walk, she went just over the hills over there. I am not sure what she is doing.”

Toshi raised an eyebrow. “Kaiya went for a walk? That’s not very like her...”

The captain gave a chuckle. “She’s been doing a lot of things that aren’t very like her, if you haven’t noticed.”

The boy shrugged, unable to argue that point. “Well… I guess I’ll go find her, make sure everything is okay, or something...”

Gama winked at him. “You should go do that,” he said, successfully making Toshi feel awkward. He moved past the captain and his first mate, and began his exploration of the planet.

As he walked through the alien paradise, the boy couldn’t help but stare at every little thing he passed. The winged serpents undulated overhead, shimmering in the brilliant light; golden insects zipped right up to his face, apparently as curious as Toshi as he was with them. Then, they would dart away, continuing their search for sustenance. A pack of wooly, prehistoric looking beasts trampled forward a ways off, making the very soil beneath his feet shake. Flowers and plants, the shapes and colors of which Toshi could never dream of, littered the land in every direction. He felt like he did when he first arrived in this strange universe, when the Symbiote had just brought him there. He had thought he had grown used to this alien place, but just when he had gotten comfortable, another wonder appeared to shatter that concept.

As he came over a hill, Toshi spotted Kaiya in the distance. The android was standing in a field of gorgeously pink flowers, rising up to her thighs. They caressed her metallic skin as they blew in the wind, as did her amber hair, which trailed behind her like the tail of a comet. Her arm was outstretched, with one of the golden insects resting contently on its mechanical stillness. The creature was in the process of cleaning itself, and Kaiya studied it with a tilted head curiously. Toshi meant to call out to her, but found himself only staring- that same feeling that had flowed through him earlier was back, as if he were witnessing everything for the first time. He was left speechless by the beauty of the scene, of Kaiya’s inhuman perfection.

After a moment, Kaiya noticed Toshi standing there, and turned her head; feeling the slight movement, the insect lifted off from her arm and buzzed away into the clear air. Toshi cleared his throat and smiled at her, giving a shy wave. Kaiya returned the smile and the gesture, and the two made their way towards each other from across the flower-field.

“Greetings, Toshi,” Kaiya addressed him. “I am glad to see you have recovered well.”

“Thanks,” Toshi said bashfully; he kicked himself mentally, and tried to get a grip on himself. “I’ve only got your ship to thank for that, though… and you, of course.”

“We are glad to be of assistance,” she replied with another wonderful smile. Toshi felt his own mouth stretch upward involuntarily, but he let it- it felt good to smile with her. Without thinking, he stretched out his right hand to her, palm facing up. She glanced at it curiously, then looked back to him. “Is something wrong with the Symbiote?” she asked. “Do you require me to look at it?”

Toshi blinked, then laughed. “No, no… it’s not that. I just… I was wondering if you wanted to walk with me for a while, have some company.”

Kaiya nodded. “I would enjoy that.”

Toshi’s grin only grew wider, until he was practically beaming as bright as the suns. “Alright… well, take my hand then. Let’s see what else this planet has to show us.”

The android-girl took his hand, and they began to stroll amongst the dancing flowers. Toshi glanced all around him, afraid to blink in case he missed anything; he tightened his grip on Kaiya’s delicate hand, and came to a sudden revelation. The boy realized this could possibly be the happiest moment of his life.

Kaiya? Are you available for communication?

Of course. The android girl quickly glanced at Toshi; a snapshot look told her he was busy marveling at the planet’s organisms, and not paying much attention to her. What is it you wish to speak to me about?

I wanted to ask your opinion of this new matter… of that woman. She knew far more than she should have.

I agree, Kaiya responded. She was a threat to us, but Toshi made the right choice in dismissing her. I do not believe she will bother us again, not while he is the Master.

You forget that he can change his mind at any time. All that I am capable of is converging with his free will; I cannot keep him from making his own choices. Already I can sense him beginning to question things again, despite his refusal of that woman’s knowledge. He is concerned, Kaiya… Toshi believed Datsueba when she told him I was withholding information.

I am not surprised. Toshi is always drawn towards the truth, it is why he was chosen. However, he will not learn what he needs from her, and he understands that. Toshi will find out on his own what the chosen ones must endure.

Of course, the Symbiote replied. Then, I assume you are indifferent towards what we both know will come, eventually.

Kaiya eyes darted again to the awestruck boy beside her. Of course. I have seen every Master suffer it, and I understand Toshi will have to as well.

I see. So why did you prepare the Kon-Rensa to fire when Datsueba mentioned our secrecy?

Kaiya was quiet for a moment; she had calculated the conversation heading this way. None of the other Masters had previous knowledge of the Symbiote. It… it was unfair for Toshi to hear it. That is something he does not have to endure yet.

But he will, regardless of whether he knows or not.

Toshi does not have to endure that now… not from her. It was the wrong time, and she did not have the right to… to tell him the danger. He had just fought through so much, and he was in such suffering already. How would telling Toshi about the others improve that situation? Besides, it is against our protocol to allow the Master information he is not prepared to hear.

It is also against your protocol to not directly affect the Master’s fate, yet you seem to be adapting to your newfound concept of free will quite well. I am not trying to reprimand you for your choice, Kaiya; quite the opposite, I believe you have done what you had to. We are all connected, and we cannot help but evolve according to the present Master. Even Professor Hayyani could not have foreseen every possible event. I would, however, like to hear the truth. I am not accustomed to you lying to me.

I did tell you the truth, Kaiya replied firmly. I couldn’t let Toshi hear anymore, not then. It is not even a certainty he will end up like the others; he might have grieved over a fate not meant for him. To let Datsueba cause him more pain would have made my previous actions meaningless; I would have fought Enma for nothing. Toshi needed help… he needed my help. And now, he needs to remind himself of the good in life, and he understands that, even if only at a subconscious level. He chose to ignore that woman, and come to this planet. He understood perfectly what he needed to do, to keep his self from being compromised. His choice has always been the right one, and his choice will define what becomes of him.

You are right, of course. It is always choice that defines us. Yet Toshi has already shown he is capable of choosing that other path. You saw for yourself how proximately I came to transforming; the blade even turned black, Kaiya.

The Symbiote waited for a response, then eventually receded as it realized the android was no longer communicating. Either way, it had gotten the answer it was looking for.

In a distant part of the universe, a mysterious figure pulled its hood closer around its massive head. A razor-toothed smile broke out across its face, as it quickly traveled light years through space. The breaking point was nearing; soon, the time would be right, and its everlasting patience would pay off.

We will meet yet again, old friend, it gleefully thought in anticipation. How long it has been… Much too long…

*While the crew has finally found their peace, the rest of the world continues. Datsueba takes care of Enma, but when he awakens he only wishes to return to the Palace. What he finds there isn’t what he expected, though. A new enemy appears, mysterious and secretive, but he claims to know how to defeat the Symbiote for good! Who is he, and how does he know the Symbiote so well? Find out in “A Parasitic Visitor”!*