Joss takes off running -- and at a good clip, too, from what Gojyo can hear -- and Gojyo spins, blade cleaving through the first beast like it's not even there, and coming up to slice through what he hopes is the throat of the second beast.

But it doesn't feel like he's cutting anything. It feels like his blade is just whiffing through the air. He can still hear the creatures -- their growls sound almost like laughter, which sends a chill racing straight down his spine -- but he can't touch them?

Are they really there at all? "Joss," he calls, backing slowly towards the boy, weapon still held at the ready. "You're really here, right? I'm not imaginin' you too?"