Grim and Brad entered a large dimly lit hall where Jade sat at a large round table next to a tall dark hooded figure on a throne. Grim stared thoughtfully at Buki hanging from Jades side, “I see your plan diverted… Is Sam dead? I thought he was your partner, I thought you two were in love...”

“I don't do partners,” Jade snapped, “And I certainly don’t do love.”

Grim let out a loud evil laugh, “There is hope for you yet kid. I too only trust things that I can control. Take my living dead minion here…” he motioned towards Brad, “He was worthless, but now he has to obey me, so he has some worth.”

“That’s enough chit chat,” the dark figure said, commanding immediate respect as he interrupted the reunion, “I have a meeting I must attend. Grim, do you have Pandora’s Box with you?”

Grim motioned at Brad who brought out a beautiful golden box from behind his back.

Balthazar stepped out, he had been hidden in the shadows of the room, Hi whip 'Akuma' coiled neatly at his side. He took hold of Pandora’s Box from Brad.

Jade felt a rush of fear, she hadn’t even realised he was in the room with them.

Grim smiled at their leader, the dark hooded figure, “Do you have my requested payment?”

Jade revealed Excalibur, draped in cloth, “Since Slash is dead, you shouldn’t have any issues with this.”

Brad took it from her, instantly convulsing as immense power began to flow through his body.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Grim turned, looking closely at Brad, “I resurrected you early enough boy. I have trapped your soul within your body. But just remember, I can remove it at any time, so don’t defy me. However, if you ever lose your head again, not even I can save you from the pits of hell.”

The surge of power subsided, allowing Brad to examine Excalibur in detail before he strapped it to his back, the handle poking up over his left shoulder, “So now what?”

The hooded man who was in charge, lowered himself back onto his dark throne. Skulls decorating the surface of the large chair, “Grim, do you know what you need to do now?”

Grim’s lifeless face twisted in a cruel smile, “We head to the Middle East when Gin returns. We will need him for this.”

The figure nodded, “Very well. He and Tank will be returning within a day or two. They had a bit of clean up to do on Easter Island. And Jade, I need you to return to Rogue Island to complete the experiments you were doing. They are obviously going quite well judging by your possession of Buki.”

“I hate that Island,” she muttered in return.

“Your research is invaluable to our organization. I shouldn’t need to remind you about what separating the blades from living owners would be able to do for us,” he motioned for Grim and Brad to leave as he spoke.

As the room emptied only Jade, Balthazar and the tall figure were left.

Jade was quiet for a while before she spoke, “Hyung is still alive. I will need help. Some security to make sure I am uninterrupted. I also might need another subject.”

The figure nodded, “Frosty and Scorch will go with you. I will also send a squad of Hunters. I will not accept failure Jade. Provide me results or it will be your head. You will however, need to find your own subjects to experiment on.”

“I understand Sir,” she nodded nervously, briskly walking from the room.

Balthazar turned to the leader, “We need to leave. The Hounds are impatient.”

“The Hounds will do as I say,” he responded with power.

Balthazar laughed, “I’m sorry, I’m used to dealing with the Hounds, without you around.”

“That is what I like about you Balthazar, you know your place. We will have a great partnership so long as you don’t forget where you stand.”

Balthazar laughed, “You don’t become as strong as me without learning to pick your battles.”