((Part 5 of the Collab between Scarifar, Letter Bee, CavnderOHeart, and RoflsMazoy.))

Alexander walked towards Ascot and pinched his left ear, saying, "This is why getting all the details right is important, especially historical details! Jumping to conclusions will just destroy the story, little bro!" A frown. "But aside from that, you actually did well; more than I expected. I'm...actually proud of you, Little Bro."

Ascot nodded, before he frowned once more. "I am going to need to apologize to St. Laurel if he is alive. More importantly, it seems the Ancient Evil is the true threat, and its potential anchor in the form of Mephisto; as our God said, there are things beyond deities."

He thought of Vittorio, the potential pawn of Mephisto, who served the Ancient Evil who had killed his friends in the first place. He then looked at the God of Stories once more, and asked: "I am physically tired, I am physically weary, and Samoth cannot keep the students of St. Laurel's delayed for too long. But I must continue." A pause for breath. "What God governs the province of Ressurection? What are the circumstances where the dead can be brought back to life?"

"None," The God of Stories said. "The God of Death makes sure of death's finality in this dimension, but for the Ancient Evil the energy of the dead often remains, albeit without an ego. However, it would've been a trifling matter for the demon Mephisto to obtain immortality in their dimension, why he would not do so... Well, I suppose there would be reasons."

Ascot saw a potential possibility. "Then Mephisto could have committed some shenanigans with his energy, impreganting a woman with said energy, or otherwise reincarnating. But I speak not just of him alone; I speak of four people killed by the Ancient Evil. Are those killed by Demons bound by the rules of the dimension they died in, this one? Or are they bound by the dimension of their killers?"

More words, "As for the God of Death, I find it strange that he would bless Clara Deimos Edrigan and validate her contracts; this despite the fact that she is Mephisto's adoptive daugther."

"The souls of demonkind and the souls of humankind are bound to their dimension intrinsically. The souls of humankind cannot be taken by Demonkind, however if they are killed on the other side their soul will linger until brought here." The God of Stories said. "As for The God of Death's blessing, it was with her before she was Mephisto's daughter. We gods do not rescind our blessings. The God of Death especially, who treats all life equally, even for Demons. He was one of the few who were indifferent to the war. Thus, if you were to confirm that Mephisto is the very same person as in legend, he would not stop the other gods from coming to strike him down."

As the God of Stories spoke, Michael never stopped typing on his cell phone. There was much to be learned here. Yet even with all this information to be gathered, there was still something missing. A purpose. Michael interjected, "Ascot. All this information is nice, but... what's the end goal here? What, exactly, are we going to accomplish by gathering all this info? I can't see all that much practical use for what this God of Stories has given us."

Ascot looked at Michael, and said, looking down at the ground, "My goal was originally to get Alto and Clara together, then it was to find out who Mephisto is, then it was to try and see if Vittorio can be redeemed from his path of vengance and cast aside all hate for Alto. Then after that, it was to find out who Mephisto was again and how to defeat him. But I am tired, Michael, I am tired of following empty lead after empty lead, all the while as the conflict between St. Laurel's and Mephisto's continues. Which is probably the real answer to the questions; I want to end this war or at least the most tragic aspects of it."

"If you are tired, then go to sleep, William. There are others who could take your tasks, others who could bear your responsibilities." The God of Stories said, getting up from the altar. "This is something you have only taken upon yourself. It will end with or without you."

"This is no foggy road you walk on, this is only a forked path. If you do not think yourself strong enough to cut through the thorns, then do as your duty would have you do and watch. But do not presume that to write history is an easy task. It is one of the hardest of all."

"This is something many of your ancestors learned the hard way. Some have even called my blessings cursed, to have so much power and yet to be unable to see the road to its end. But like you, they only brought it upon themselves.

"If you cannot bear the burden of your own creation, then let it fall."

"Perhaps," spoke Ascot. "Perhaps I should. But today...I do what I can." A smile. "Thank you anyway."

Sensing that things were beginning to end, Michael put away his phone, then bowed his head towards the God of Stories in reverence. Looking back at Ascot, Michael allowed himself an amused smirk and asked, "Getting Alto and Clara together? [i]That[/i] was your initial goal?"

A yawn from Ascot. "Yes. It seemed like a good story, and I was genuinely 'shipping' the two; they look cute."

He then stepped forward, but was now swaying from exhaustion. He and Vernon will have to go to their homes soon.

"I suppose we have been out for a while now," Michael said, noting Ascot's fatigue. "We should be getting back home. I can probably just call a cab or something. Maybe your brother could even drop me off."

"If all is said and done, I will take my leave," The God of Stories said. He walked behind another pillar, too thin to hide his form, and vanished.

"Farewell," said Ascot as Alexander, Christine accompanying him, prepared to leave...