crystallize

It's not a very detailed summary, because I'm just quickly reading through it (I have finals this week ;A; ) but it's something, right? ;D

Here you go!

The chapter starts out with Lulu asking to talk with Shiki. He refuses, saying he has no reason to speak to a backstabber. Lulu asks what he thinks of Homurabi, and Shiki responds saying it doesn't matter what he thinks - the contract calls for complete obedience, nothing more. Aya says that he says that, but he doesn't agree with it at all. Lulu tries to reason with him, but he rejects her, saying that both she and Sawaki are going against the terms of the contract. Lulu disagrees, saying that her contract was with the "old" Homurabi; so, it is her duty to bring him back. She then allows Aya and Kengo to give Shiki his 100 strikes.

In the meantime, Kou (FINALLY) reenters the series, having reached the back entrance to the Royal Palace. Upon entering, he encounters Sawaki, who asks if Kou was the one to lead everyone there. With this, Kou realizes that no one else has reached the palace, and says he wouldn't lead them into a trap. After some teasing, Sawaki asks why Kou came to the Shadow World when he's in such bad condition. Kou replies that Shirogane doesn't need his help to succeed. He then deflects the question, asking if Sawaki thinks he can be forgive because, though he's stubborn and moody, he had a good reputation with the kings. "Only Ryuuko and I know what you did". Then Kou says, because if Sawaki were merely to die, Kou would be unable to forgive him, so instead he will kill Sawaki. Sawaki says that he will kill Kou so he can gain peace.

The scene then cuts back to the hospital, where the nurse from before enters Master's room to take his temperature. Shisui is sitting at the window, and the nurse is revealed to be one of his "children", Arisa. Arisa tells Shisui that bad things have been happening since Shirogane and the others crossed to the Shadow World. Arisa admits that she's been wondering if Homurabi really wants to destroy the world, and that if he is just appearing to want that on the surface, what his true intentions would be. Shisui reminds her that even people he has known for a long time try to hide things from him. He says that Shirogane, from the beginning, always tried to hide his emotions, which makes Shisui worry. Ryuuko apparently was always straightforward and honest, so Shisui didn't worry about him. He also says that he drove Homurabi into a corner with his powers, and he grieves that because he is unable to go, he is now stuck where he is.

Back in the Shadow World, Nanaya, Akira, and Shirogane have arrived at the Royal Palace. Homurabi goes to meet them.

What do you guys think? Looks like the epicness is finally picking up! I'm excited to watch Kou and Sawaki go at each other!