Episode 22- Unrequited Love
"I...don't think....I'll....ever get used to that.", says Red Dawn in shock.
Tojo picks up the bloody head of Tora-Dora that contains no bottom jaw. He then looks directly in the eyes of the decapitated head. A thick, pink tongue hangs from the mouth of Tora-Dora, as well as lifeless yellow, eyes. "You...are beautiful.", says Tojo as he looks to face Zero. "You will be, you must be, mine.", says Tojo. Tojo then takes two very slow steps towards Zero. "What gives you your strength? What gives you your speed? What fuels you?", asks Tojo in succession, "What is your weakness?".
"Step away from him Zero!", shouts Red Dawn. Without a second thought, Zero leaps several feet backwards.
"Oh, Red Dawn, you have me mistaken. I come in peace. I come in love! I told you, my research is my only priority. This 'Zero' must be studied. Did you see him move!? Did you see his strength? His power? He embodies everything I seek in this world! He gives me a purpose in this world of boredom! He is much too precious to do something as silly as kill!", says Tojo.
"You speak as if I'm not in front of you! Like I'm some kind of plaything for you. I'm not going to be a part of your games. Leave or die.", commands Zero.
"Of course. Your wish is my command. Red Dawn, I assume you will be returning to Grandoria soon?", asks Tojo with a sinister grin. "Of course, I'm a general. It's only natural.", replies Red Dawn.
"One thing before I leave,", says Tojo, "A name. Please give me the honor of the name of what is in my opinion, the most fascinating creature I've ever seen.".
"Remember and know me as Zero Justice.", states Zero.
"Wonderful. 'Zero Justice'. It brings more questions than answers! But as agreed, I'll be taking my leave.", says Tojo. The body of Tojo begins to crumble off into pieces of sand. Each particle sinks into the dirt and grass on the ground. The dead head and body of Tora-Dora begin to turn into particles of sand and sink into the ground as well. Before the head of Tojo can disappear, he looks at Red Dawn, "General, I expect to see you soon in Grandoria. And please, bring your guest. I'll be waiting.". Tojo and Tora-Dora completely crumble into sand and sink away, leaving Red Dawn and Zero alone in the forest.
Zero dissipates all of his armor, revealing a very mad face looking directly at Red Dawn. "No more surprises! I've told you every truth I could possibly tell you. Meanwhile, you aren't able to lift a finger against your corrupt allies and don't tell me anything about what they are capable of!", angrily yells Zero.
"What exactly do you expect of me!? Do you want me to snap my fingers and decide to kill them! Do you want me to immediately become an enemy of Grandoria? Of my parents!?", shouts Red Dawn.
"I'm an enemy of Grandoria.", says Zero, disappointed in the response of Red Dawn. Zero then walks over to the rock that Tojo was sitting on, and sits on it himself, "No. I don't expect you to lift a finger on my behalf, but I do expect you to lift your voice on my behalf.".
"Meaning what?", asks Red Dawn.
"Information. Knowledge. I want to know about everything you know about Grandoria and all of the generals. Right here. And right now.", says Zero as he looks off into the distance, "Including you.".
"Me? Why!?", asks Red Dawn.
"I've been killed by a city and I've fallen for a woman who refuses to throw a pebble at a snail on my behalf. Forgive me but I'm a bit short on trust.", says Zero.
Red Dawn falls into a silent rage, "Okay. That makes sense.". Red Dawn picks up a nearby rock and throws it at the face of Zero. Zero quickly leans his head back and dodges the rock which narrowly misses his face.
"Are you mad!?", shouts Zero.
"Yes. Very. Doubt me again and a 'pebble' will be the least of your worries!", sternly says Red Dawn. Red Dawn then calmly walks toward Zero, "Move over.", she demands. Although irritated, Zero moves over as Red Dawn then sits beside him on the rock. "You want to know about the generals? Fine. Here is all I know.", says Red Dawn.