Part 98: An Invitation

We leave the main group for a moment to find out what's going on with Kato and the Apes.

Raiden!
Yo!



Let's get back.
Okay.


Man, why do they always have to show off their cool teleportation powers.



That monster's somewhere up ahead.
Hoho. It's like it's waiting for us.
Are you scared?
Don't be stupid. You and me both died once in Shanghai. What do I have to be afraid of NOW?
Heh heh. So you are afraid.
Hien?
Yeah?
When even the doctors gave up on us, it was Master that saved us.



He treated us good, just like we were his own family. Even stupid me who couldn't die right.
That's why we fight so hard for him. Why we're willing to die for him.
Exactly. But...
But what?
Ouka is different!
.........



Unlike us, she wasn't given any mechanical implants.



She was the Master's girlfriend, reborn. He wants to have a baby with her and live like a nice, happy couple.

Well, I guess that brings a whole new meaning to the term "real-doll".



You...
Listen, Hien. No matter what happens to us, I want to be sure that we protect those two.
Raiden...
Is there something strange about wanting to do that?

Hien shakes his head no.



Are you with me, then?
Of course. I'm right there with you!




Meanwhile, the two lovebirds are standing next to a river of magma. This is a fantasy world volcano, so they're able to do this without the normal, logical consequences, such as dying. (See also: Orzammar)

Hm?



Did you call me?
No. Is something wrong?
No. I thought that I heard a voice. Just my imagination.
Hm.
Is the boundary still holding?



Yes. There is no need to worry. But...the flow of time is different here. A few hours here is actually several days in the outside world.
We can't just stay here doing nothing. Yuri and the others could arrive here at any moment.
We're back, Master!



Well?
There is no up or down here. No front or back, either!
But HE'S here alright, Master! I'm CERTAIN he's here!
I see...


Just then, the volcano starts shaking.


The magma parts.


A path appears, leading to a cave on the far wall.



Hm. It seems that Nicolai wishes for us to enter.



We may not come back alive. You understand that, don't you?
Yes, Master.


These people are nuts.