Intermission: Forbidden Memory

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[Tch...He's sure taking his time...I'm starting to get impatient...] (???)

A large, hooded figure the size of a building was sitting behind a plain work desk with their head propped on their hand and an even larger scythe propped on their shoulder. A smaller sized, hooded figure was sitting at a considerable distance away in front of a decorated table with a teacup resting in their hand while an unconscious man with dark, clean-cut hair, well-defined facial features, a toned body and an unbuttoned business suit sat directly across from them. It was quite a strange sight, they were in the middle of a lush forest with a crystal clear lake next to them and golden specks of light were floating around them, illuminating the area. No sign of life could be seen around them, it was very peaceful and quiet.

"For you to be impatient...That's quite a wonderful feat considering the time that you have on your hands..." (Small Figure)

The small figure nonchalantly replied as it took a sip from the teacup.

[I'm just curious to see why an abnormality like yourself would come to me with such a request...That is all.] (Large Figure)

Shrugging its shoulders, the small figure continued to stare at the unconscious man,

"I've already had my fair share of enjoyment." (Small Figure)

[Is that really all?...I don't understand humans...Why would you help someone that has forgotten, not to mention, killed you?] (Large Figure)

A long silence was shared between them as the words lingered in the air.

The small figure gently placed the teacup onto the table,

"I guess you could say love knows no boundaries...Besides, it wasn't his fault...Other factors were in play at the time." (Small Figure)

[Interesting...Hmm...] (Large Figure)

The large figure stroked its chin in thought before finally coming to a decision,

[Will you still say that you love him, even when you know what the price for this request is?...] (Large Figure)

Unhesitantly nodding, the small figure responded with a firm voice,

"Even then." (Small Figure)

Roaring laughter echoed throughout the forest,

[Hahahaha! I expected as much! Abnormally managing to escape from Purgatory, managing to defeat all of the Watchers along the way without using a Spirit Weapon and finally, managing to pass through my Gate just so that you could reach this place again!... Absolutely unheard of, but that's not what has caught my eye.] (Large Figure)

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The large figure suddenly stopped laughing, leaning closer towards the small figure,

[How were you able to slip past into Purgatory when you're clearly a Sinner? You belong in the Underworld. I have confidence in my subordinates' abilities, they should've been able to handle you.] (Large Figure)

Silence enveloped the two as they solemnly stared at each other.

[Haa...No response huh?... I allowed you to remain here since you've caught my interest, but now I can't help but feel excited to meet this human.] (Large Figure)

Sighing, the large figure suddenly stared at a paper on its desk before turning back over to the other two,

[His memories have almost fully been restored as you've requested, we will begin once he regains consciousness.] (Large Figure)

The small figure sheepishly scratched the back of its neck,

"Sorry, but could you give me some time to spend with him when he wakes up?..." (Small Figure)

[Hmm?...] (Large Figure)

The large figure was clearly caught off guard by the sudden question, slightly tilting its head in thought.

[You have been watching over him for a considerably long time and you also have done all of those ridiculous things just to get here, so I guess it would only be fair...My subordinates currently have the other three that were with him in their care, so I'll be personally handling their cases while I'm waiting. The cases thus far have been very boring ever since [Exodus] was invoked. A majority of them were tainted humans, so this is quite refreshing.] (Large Figure)

The small figure elegantly stood up and bowed towards the Large Figure,

"Thank you." (Small Figure)

Nodding in response, the large figure got up and walked away from them. With every step that it took, dark mist drifted from its body, its figure slowly dissipating until it completely vanished.

Confirming that the large figure was gone, the small figure walked up to the man and gently brushed his hair,

"Don't be too harsh on yourself..." (Small Figure)

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Bonus:

[Your name is.... Grape the penguin?...] (Large Figure)

A large hooded figure the size of a building was sitting behind a plain word desk with an even larger scythe propped onto its shoulder while a small, male Humboldt penguin curiously looked around. The area around them this time was covered in dazzling, golden sand with a crystal clear ocean accompanying next to it. Gentle waves were lapping against the shore as the ocean breeze brushed past the palm trees that peppered the area. The sand remained untouched, with not a single footprint to be seen.

"Pii, pi pii?(Where's Hululu?)" (Grape)

Staring at the penguin, the large figure responded in a solemn voice,

[She wasn't able to accompany you.] (Large Figure)

Grape tilted his head in confusion,

"Piii pi pii pii?...Pii pi pii pii pi pi...(What do you mean?...She was just next to me...)" (Grape)

The large figure gave a heavy sigh before responding,

[You were ill. She was by your side as you passed away, taking care of you until the very end. It was quite a heartwarming scene, even for us who constantly deal with cases like these.] (Large Figure)

His body slouched with a disheartened gaze, tears slowly drifting down his face,

"P-Pi pii pii pi pii?...(I-I won't see her again?...)" (Grape)

[That's...] (Large Figure)

A heavy silence enveloped the two as the waves continued to lap against the shore.

"Pii...Pi Pii pi pii pii pi...(Please...I want to see her again...)" (Grape)

The large figure leaned a little closer towards Grape,

[...Every wish comes with a price...Are you willing?...] (Large Figure)

"Pii...(Anything..)" (Grape)

Slowly nodding in response, the large figure lifted the large scythe from its shoulder and stood up before turning towards the ocean. Raising the scythe, the large figure powerfully slashed downwards. A shockwave emanated from the sheer force of the movement, creating strong gusts of wind and large ripples that broke the ocean's surface, slowly parting it in half.

A large, bright tear in space appeared, floating in the air where the scythe had just cut through.

[Enter...A new life awaits you and Hululu.] (Large Figure)

Grape firmly nodded and waddled off into the rift. A bright light warmly enveloped his body right before he vanished, carrying a love that was eternally boundless.