BEHIND ENEMY LINES
Shire groaned in shock as Kain's lance had pierced his chest, the blade exiting through his back as blood dripped from its tip.
Kain was breathing heavily from the intense fighting. He pulled the blade from the man's chest as he collapsed to his knees.
"It can't be. How could I lose? I'm one of the 5 Reys of Terra." Shire said.
"That may be Terran, but there are more powerful things in this universe. Even more powerful than me. Your overconfidence proved your downfall." Kain answered.
Shire let out a final gasp as he fell backwards, dead.
Kain stabbed the ground as he fell to his knees, his strength fading from his body.
"Brother!" Storm cried as he ran down the crater, his foot catching a rock before he tumbled the rest of the way down.
Storm didn't care as he got back up and ran to his brother's aid.
"Hey Little Bro." Kain said as his armor shed from his skin.
"Kain! You're hurt!" Tears ran down Storm's face.
"It's alright. I can't feel it anymore." Kain fell forward, losing his grip on his weapon.
Storm ran to his side and rolled him over.
"Listen, Storm. I don't have much time left. My body's spent. I'm sorry it has to be this way."
"Wait! Please don't go! I don't want you to die!"
Kain smiled as he placed a hand on Storm's head.
"It's gonna be ok. I'm just glad you're safe. Live on for me, ok. I'll be watching over you and your sister. I love you..."
Kain let out a soft breath as his eyes closed, his hand slipping off his little brother's head.
Storm's eyes grew wide as he watched his brother pass away.
Storm couldn't do anything but fall on his brother's chest and cry out his pain to the empty sky.
"Those damn Terrans! I'll swear I'll kill them all!" Storm swore with anger and pain.
XXXXX
Storm woke up with a start.
He found himself in an unfamiliar room in a lot of pain as he clutched his chest, which was bandaged as was a good portion of his body.
Except for his pants, he was stripped of his clothes.
As he adjusted to his surroundings, he noticed that Karin was sitting in a chair with her head against the wall, asleep.
A door opened and Shri-Lanka walked in carrying fresh bandages.
"You're finally awake. You gave us quite a scare earlier." She said.
Storm moved himself to sit at the edge.
"Where are we? I can't remember anything."
Shri-Lanka had a brief flashback of Storm's rampage.
"It's better that you don't."
She walked over and begun to take off his old bandages to replace them, when she noticed him looking at Karin.
"She hasn't left your side since you fell unconscious."
"Really?" He said.
"Yes, she was worried about you. She healed you as much as she could, but some wounds refused to heal so we had to bandage you to stop the bleeding."
"And what about Raptor?"
Shri-Lanka was hesitant.
"He's with us on the ship."
"He's what!" Storm said, anger clearly in his voice.
"Calm down or your wounds will open up. He's not a bad guy, but he had his reasons for deceiving us."
Storm made an irritated sound.
"He made Karin cry." He said.
"She's a strong woman. She'll be fine. You need to keep your head cool and recover. For her sake."
After Shri-Lanka finished, she placed the dirty bandages in the garbage.
"If you feel well enough to get up. We're at the Captain's Deck." And she left.
Storm took a deep breath and stood up. After seeing that he was stable, he walked to Karin.
He watched her sleeping figure, her soft breathing with every exhale.
As gently as he could, he picked her up and carried her to the bed, laying her head against the pillow.
She stirred a little before settling down.
Storm opened the door, gave one last look, and closed it behind him.
He wandered around a bit, he saw the stars whizzing by the windows, but other than empty rooms, there wasn't much else.
"Guess I'll check the Captain's Deck."
Upon reaching the Captain's Deck, he saw the others were there, waiting.
Then his eyes fell on Raptor.
"You..."
Storm knew his swords were gone, but he wasn't helpless without them.
"Calm down Storm. This isn't a time for fighting." Shri-Lanka told him.
"I am calm. Just know that he is the enemy." He stated.
"Note taken, but also know that I am the only way you can get to Terra without being blown to pieces." Raptor said.
"He's right you know." Said Cid. "This ship is combat capable, but the Terrans have a virtually impenetrable defense. We've never been able to break it."
"Once word reaches my mother that I'm on this ship, they will let us through. From there, Karin and I will be able to speak with her about the matters concerning this war." Raptor explained.
"What do you mean, 'Karin and I'?" Storm interjected.
"You're jumping to conclusions, Storm. This is strictly diplomacy. As a royal member of Gaia, her words could sway my mother to end this war. Many lives will be saved."
"Storm, I know what you're feeling. Losing Kain is hard on both of us, but don't put our world in jeopardy for vengeance. Kain gave his life to protect us and our home. He wouldn't want you to consume your life with hatred." His sister said.
"I think that's enough talk for now. It's still two days till we reach Terra. So just relax til then." Cid suggested.
Storm left without a word, with Sakura going after him.
She looked around, but Storm was already gone.
"Don't think you can get away from Big Sister."
Sakura's irises became red slits.
In seconds, she picked up Storm's position, but saw that he wasn't even hiding.
Storm was standing at the at the aft of the ship, staring out into space.
"Need to talk?" She asked.
Storm turned to see Sakura walking up to him.
"Not really."
"Hmph. I don't even need these eyes to tell that you're full of it."
Storm cracked a light grin at the comment.
Sakura stood next to him, seeing that he was a few inches taller than her.
"You've grown up since I've been away."
"That's usually what happens to kids. They grow up."
Sakura felt like that was meant to hurt her.
"Listen. I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you. When I saw what had happened to our town. I thought you had been killed along with everyone else. If I knew that you survived, I would have never stopped looking for you."
Karin woke up, seeing that she was no longer in the chair and that Storm was missing.
She left the infirmary and looked around for Storm, hoping he wasn't pushing himself too hard.
Very quickly, she saw Storm talking with his sister.
She knew that eaves dropping was wrong, but curiosity got the better of her and she sneaked closer, hiding behind a pillar as she peeked out to get a better look.
"But you must have known in the cave. How could you not?" He asked.
"Yes, but even then I wasn't sure. Thinking you've been dead for the last 10 years put some doubt in me. That's why I decided to see if it truly was you."
"So you've been watching me ever since?"
"Yes, but I decided not to intervene unless you really needed my help. I watched as you became stronger and more dependent on your friends. In many ways, you are just like Kain."
"Well I don't see it. He was so strong and kind. Everybody loved him. I don't know how I can measure up to him."
"You don't have to, Storm. You're not Kain. You are you. That's all you have to be. There was nobody he cared about more than you."
She noticed Storm's hand shaking in a clenched fist.
She grabbed his hand and pulled him into her arms.
"You never grieved over his death, did you? To hold in all of that pain for so long must be hurting you so much."
Storm returned the embrace.
"Why did he have to die?" He asked, his voice wavering into a whisper.
Sakura stroked her fingers through his hair gently.
"So that we could live."
Tears streamed down Storm's face as he buried his face into her shoulder.
Karin had never seen Storm like this, he was always so proud and quick tempered. To think it was to mask his sadness over the death of his brother. In a way, she felt relieved that he had a sensitive side.
Storm fell to his knees, his pain reverting him back to a 10 year old boy as he cried into Sakura's stomach.
Sakura scratched his head, her maternal instincts to comfort her brother like he was still a young boy.
"I know it hurts now, but you must let him go. Kain wouldn't want you to remember him like this. Okay."
Storm nodded.
Sakura helped him to his feet and wiped the tears away.
"I know you miss him. I miss him too. But grieving him will allow you to let him go and not be held down by your anger. That's why you haven't been able to use all of your power."
"You mean the reason I haven't been able to transform... was because of me?
"Yes, the demons of the Valentine Family can only be controlled with a clear mind. Rage was only hindering your strength."
Storm nodded in understanding.
"You probably need some time to yourself. Get some rest and you'll feel better." She suggested, rubbing his head roughly.
"Sure, I'll do that. Oh and by the way. I have something to give you, Sis. Consider it a late Birthday present." Said Storm.
" Oh I love presents, but give it to me later. You need your rest."
Karin watched as Storm left.
"Bahamut, did you know?" She asked.
"I am a mirror of one's desires and his desire until now has been the revenge of his brother. Nothing but pain and anger reflected from him. I think talking with his sister has helped relieve some of the pain he has suffered so once he has come to terms with himself, that desire will change." The dragon answered.
"I hope so. Maybe now he can find some peace and happiness."
"If that is what he desires."
Sakura watched Karin walk away from her hiding place and head off.
She let out a little sigh.
"What an interesting development."
XXXXX
Storm entered the infirmary and sat on the bed to clear his head.
Moments later a knock came at the door.
"Who is it?"
"It's Karin, can I come in?"
"The door's open."
Karin walked in and shut it behind her.
"You know there are living quarters on the ship?"
"Then why did you bother knocking?"
"Just being polite." She replied as she sat next to him.
"So how are you feeling?" She asked.
"Still a bit sore I guess. I heard that you saved my life."
"Of course. Why wouldn't I? I was worried about you."
"Never looks that way. Most of the time we're fighting each other."
"No, most of the time you spent fighting with Raptor in a pissing contest over me."
Storm couldn't help but chuckle.
"I guess that's true. I'm sorry, but it's just that whenever he tried to act so aggressive, I felt so protective of you."
"In other words, jealous."
Storm became surprised, blushing a little.
Karin giggled.
"Seeing him like this makes him seem sweet."
She softly placed a hand on his.
"But it's nice that you felt you had to. He's not really my type anyway."
"What do you mean? Aside from being an asshole, he looked like he was charming you pretty good."
"I've known his kind all of my life. Mostly because I'm a princess, men have tried to charm me with words and gestures for the opportunity to be the next King. All of them were empty and hollow as their words, but you never treated me that way. You always spoke so candidly and open as if I were a normal person, not just a princess."
"But I'm..." Storm tried, but Karin shushed him by placing a finger to his lips.
"It doesn't matter anymore. I just want you to know how I feel."
Both looked into each other's eyes and slowly their faces began to drift closer, both leaning in as their lips were only inches apart.
"Give her some tongue, boy!"
Both of their eyes shot wide open and they broke away.
"Ifrit! What the hell!" Storm shouted in embarrassment.
"What I'd say?" Ifrit asked.
Bahamut just sighed exasperatedly.
"You ruined the mood, genius." He said.
They heard a noise and looked towards the door, seeing nothing but eyes peeking through the crack.
If Storm and Karin's face couldn't get any redder, they just did.
"Get out! This isn't a peek show!" Karin swung her staff at the door, causing the spectators to run.
"When I get my hands on you! You'll beg for mercy!" She shouted as she gave chase.
"Well that was unexpected." Storm said as he got off the bed.
"Hey, if you need some tips. Just let me know. I've got hundreds of years of experience." Ifrit suggested.
"I don't think we need to know each other that well."
"Well fire can represent the passion of love."
"Enough! I don't want to talk about it!" Storm said as he left the infirmary.
Nearby, something stirred.
It turned out to be Wedge, using Karin's cloak to hide.
"Hehe, looks like the great Ninja, Wedge escapes undetected."
XXXXX
After a long chase across the entire ship, Karin finally gave up and stormed off to her room.
The group had all reached the Common Area, exhausted, but it's better than being dead.
"Man, she can run when she's mad. I've never been so scared of anything in my entire life." Carlos heaved as he collapsed in a chair.
"I thought I was gonna have a heart attack." Said Cid.
"She probably would have skinned us alive." Said Shri-Lanka.
"Ah, to think that I would lose to Storm is almost unbelievable." Said Raptor, but not really sore about it.
"So how was it?"
They all turned to see Sakura enjoying a cup of coffee as she read a magazine.
"Horrible. Karin almost killed us. Why'd you tell us that anyway?" Asked Carlos.
"I love to gossip." She replied, taking a sip from her cup.
"Hey, where'd Wedge run off to?" Shri-Lanka asked, looking around.
"He's over there by the television." Sakura answered, not even looking away from her book.
"Aw man, how'd you know that I was there?" Wedge asked, taking off the cloak.
"My eyes can see everything. No matter how far or how well hidden you are, you're as plain as day to me. I can see through walls as if they were glass. I can even see into the future."
"No way!" Wedge said in amazement.
"Well the future part was a bit embellished." She mused.
"So what is the deal with your eyes? How come Storm doesn't have the same abilities as you?" Carlos asked.
Sakura set down her magazine.
"Well since you asked, I'll tell you."
She took another sip of her coffee as everyone got comfortable.
"The Valentine Bloodline has carried the demons with which we're known to transform into. But that only applies to the men of our family. You see, as men and women change during puberty, so does the power change for us as well.
"Males inherit the ability to transform into beasts and monsters as Kain is well known for. Of course, it can vary from person to person on how many different transformations one can accomplish. My grandfather could change into five different beasts, but he was best known for mimicking a Wendigo. Kain could only achieve one transformation and Storm has yet to transform, but he fights like Mother, strangely enough."
"So your mom was the one with the Valentine Blood?" Said Raptor.
"Yes, the women lack the ability to transform, so our bodies adapt the power in other ways. Mother was a great Martial Artist. She used her power like a Sixth Sense and could enhance her physical strength to be near godlike. Storm seems to be using it in a similar way to compensate for the years he hasn't transformed..."
She paused for a minute as if to think about her own words.
"Is it unusual for him? Asked Carlos.
"Now that you mention it. Men can't use their demon energy unless they transform. Aside from that, they are completely normal. I can use it to enhance my vision and materialize ammunition for my guns, which makes me a perfect marksman, but no man has ever been able to use demon energy. Yet he found a way, although in only short bursts, what he has done has never been done throughout our history."
At this time, Storm walked in, seeing all of their eyes on him.
"What are you looking at?" He asked, to which nobody replied. He paid them no attention, his gaze focused only on Raptor.
"Hey Raptor."
"What is it Storm?" Raptor asked.
Storm began to act tense as he crossed his arms and fidgeted a little as he looked away.
"I just want to say that... I'm uh... sorry for attacking you earlier."
Everyone except for Sakura nearly fell out of their seats.
Storm apologizing? Hell must be getting really cold right about now.
"There I said it. Are you happy now? He said to no one.
"See, that wasn't so hard was it? Karin said, walking into view.
The others began to edge away as her gaze fell on them.
"Don't think I have forgotten. I'd sleep with one eye open if I were you." Was all she said before leaving.
"I think I'll be leaving now. Good luck." Sakura said as she put away her magazine and threw away her coffee.
"Come one, Brother. You don't want to get caught up in this." She coaxed him with her arm and they both left.
"Phew, looks like I'm the only one that didn't get caught. You guys are screw..."
Wedge's face actually paled as everyone loomed over him with extremely angry looks homed in on him
"Uh oh."
Storm and Sakura could hear the cries of pain all the way down the ship.
"Future..." She snickered.
XXXXX
Alarms blared throughout the ship, causing everyone to wake up with a jolt.
"What's going on?" All of them were thinking as they headed for the Command Deck.
Cid was already there, busy with the controls.
"Are we under attack?" Asked Shri-Lanka.
"Not my people. They wouldn't dare attack royalty." Raptor defended.
"No, we're on a collision course with what looks to be a field of some sort." Cid explained.
"A magical barrier, they must have created it after I left." Raptor could see the mystical symbols in the distance, signaling a ward to any that would enter."
"Guess the Terrans really don't want anybody getting to their planet." Said Wedge, his head still covered with bumps.
"Is there a way around it?" Cid asked.
"No. This barrier encompasses the entire area. The only way is to go through it." Raptor explained.
"Well we'll need all of the Highwind's firepower for any future attacks. What other options do we have?" Cid asked.
"Karin, use us. We'll clear a path." Said Bahamut.
"Are you sure? We're in outer space." She asked.
"Essentially, we're energy so we have no need for air to live."
"It will be a piece of cake." Said Ramuh.
"Ok, looks like we have some volunteers." She said.
"Lets show them why we're called Beasts of Ruin." Said Bahamut as all of them flew through the ceiling, materializing on top of the ship.
They were all lined up side-by-side as their auras began to grow.
As they grew stronger, their appearance changed.
Bahamut had evolved to his second form. Black scaled with red runes and 4 wings.
In a united burst, their powers erupted.
"Hellfire!"
"Diamond Dust!"
"Judgment Bolt!"
"Zantezuken!"
Bahamut spread his wings wide as he got on all fours, digging his claws into the hull. He opened his mouth as energy began to build up, light shining from it.
A giant circle appeared before him, slowly lines began to move in a steady fashion, like a countdown, forming into a symbol.
"Gigaflare!" The blot shooting from his mouth, once hitting the symbol, magnified in size and strength 10 fold.
The party watched the attacks fly in streaks of light and energy.
The blasts obliterated the barrier with incredible force, shattering it like glass.
Everyone cheered as the beasts returned to their partners.
"That was awesome, Ramuh!"
"Way to go!"
The beasts felt pretty good being honored and they glowed a little from embarrassment.
"Now, on to Terra!"
Soon after the barrier, the planet came into sight, as was an enormous Armada before them.
"Whoa!" Was all anybody could say.
"Looks bigger than the last time I saw it." Cid said as he tapped off some ashes from his cigar.
A holographic screen appeared with a Terran on the screen.
"Unknown Gaian vessel! This is Rear Admiral Mase aboard the Celestial Shadow of the 23rd Fleet Defense. Identify yourself!" He ordered.
"This is Cid aboard the Highwind. I am the Captain of this ship and carrying Terran Royalty so I request safe passage." He replied.
Raptor stepped into view as the RA got a good look.
"So it is true that the Prince was on a Gaian Ship, but I hadn't expected to meet the infamous Blood Star."
Cid laughed a little.
"I heard that I had made a name for myself here, just never knew what it was."
"You will be escorted to the Palace. Please comply with these orders." RA Mase cut the transmission.
Four Destroyer Class ships broke from the Armada, each slightly smaller than the Highwind, surrounded it as they entered the atmosphere.
They lit on fire like meteors and soon after, everyone looked in awe as they gazed upon the alien planet.
Terra was very similar to Gaia in many ways, aside from every creature having the innate ability to use magic. No need of Materia or a conduit of any kind to channel it through.
The Highwind was escorted to a large clearing next to the palace, which was massive for a single building. It was closer to the size of a small city.
The escort broke away when the Highwind landed, returning to the Armada.
The hatched opened up to reveal an armed group of 20 men.
"Looks like these guys mean business." Whispered Carlos.
"The Magus Squad. The Elite Royal Guards of the Royal Family. Each is a Mage, second only to the Reys in power." Raptor explained.
The Commander walked up and crossed an arm over his chest in a militaristic fashion.
"Prince Raptor and his guests will follow us to meet her Majesty." He stated flatly.
Raptor nodded in acknowledgement as they were surrounded and led towards the palace.
"I just had a weird feeling of Deja vu." Wedge thought out loud.
As they left, a several small puddles of black liquid oozed from the crevices of the ship, dripping onto the ground.
"Re...reunion."
The party reached a pair of gigantic double doors, which opened slowly, allowing just enough room for them to walk through.
The Gaians looked around in wonder at the alien architecture and how everything had at least a soft tone of blue, white, and pink.
Before long, they had reached the Throne Room.
It looked more like a Cathedral with a ceiling high above them with portraits of Reys from long ago.
The Magus Squad halted and parted to allow them to pass.
Before them, sat the Queen of Terra, a woman of exquisite beauty with long white hair that cascaded over her shoulders onto her multicolored dress with runes similar to Raptors. Her mere presence was as if seeing a goddess as her otherworldly aura caused her clothes and hair to flow from an everlasting wind.
"Do as I do." Raptor said.
They approached her and followed Raptor's movements, which consisted of their salute followed by kneeling, not looking up at her.
"Queen Aurora, your son, Prince Raptor, has returned from his long journey on the planet Gaia. I hope that you have been well." He said in a very formal tone.
The woman nodded and beckoned with a hand.
"Please stand, my son and his companions. I have been sick with worry about your absence. You never bothered to tell me the reason why you left." Her voice like silk to one's ear.
"My humblest apologies, Mother. You know that I have been against this war since the beginning. In my desire to end this war with as few casualties as possible. I have tried to find proof to which could show that the King's death was not done by Gaian Assassins." He explained.
"And have you found this proof?" Came a voice as a man in an attire similar to Raptor's, walked to the Queen's left side.
"Warlord Alucard." Raptor said in distaste.
"So glad to see that you're safe and sound. We've been terribly worried since you've been gone." Alucard said with a lack of sincerity.
"So have you found proof of our late King's assassination?" He asked again.
Rapto grinded his teeth to maintain his composure.
"Unfortunately, I could not find the proof that I needed."
"So you've proved nothing is that what you are saying?" Alucard interjected.
"Watch your tongue! I still hold more authority than you!" Raptor shouted.
"If this were peacetime, yes, but according to our laws, a Warlord will have absolute authority during a time of war. Second only to the King and Queen of Terra." Alucard corrected.
"I am afraid that he is right, Raptor. Unless you have proof that your father was not killed by a Gaian, then this war cannot end." The Queen stated.
"Maybe there is another way. I have brought Princess Karin. We have discussed that there could be a treaty of peace that could be made. If you would but hear her words." Raptor stepped aside, giving Karin the position to speak.
"Your Majesty, I request that you..."
"Enough of this!" Alucard cut in.
"How dare you insult the Queen by bringing in this vermin! She stands before us in rags. Though she bears a resemblance to the princess, she may very well be an impostor!"
Karin had never heard such slander thrown at her that, for a moment, she was stunned.
Storm was ready to kill the man when Karin stopped him with her hand.
"Impostor! How dare you accuse that I am an impostor! I am Karin Sinclair, Daughter of the late King Griffin Sinclair! A man whom you killed in retaliation to your king's demise!" She shouted in utter ferocity.
Alucard grinned.
"Well you possess the temper of a spoiled brat, but we did so because you king would not give us a man who we suspected of having the power to kill a Rey. So we took matters into our own hands and my brother, at the cost of his life, managed to kill our king's assassin, Kain Valentine."
Storm's pupils shrunk to the size of pinpoints.
"YOU BASTARD!"
Before anyone could react, Storm shot by in a streak of black fire.
Alucard just watched as Storm headed right for him.
At the last second, Sakura and Raptor grabbed him, pulling him away with some difficulty restraining him.
"Calm down Storm! You can't touch a Rey unless you want a death sentence!" Raptor said.
"Let me go! He dared to call Kain an assassin! My brother died to stop an insane man from wiping out an entire continent of people!"
Alucard cracked a sneer as he looked at Storm and Sakura.
"So you are related to Kain. To think that you would make another attempt after all of this time. Trying to follow in your brother's footsteps."
"What!" They said.
"Your Majesty, it appears that your son has spent too much time on Gaia. It appears that he has been brainwashed to bring assassins to kill of Terra's leaders."
"Alucard you bastard! Are you claiming that I have been conformed to a spy!" Raptor demanded.
"What claim? This young man proved that with his actions. We can't trust anything that you have to say." Alucard pointed out.
Raptor looked at his mother.
"Mother, you can't possibly believe what he is saying! I've done nothing but work for Terra's well being."
The Queen let out a heavy sigh.
"I'm sorry, son. I can't deny what I have just seen."
Raptor felt like his heart had been ripped out, seeing his own mother turn against him.
The Magus Squad surrounded the group.
"The only way for Terra's well being is to crush its enemies into oblivion! Take them away!" Alucard commanded.
Raptor blasted the squad away with a shockwave.
"Get out of here!" He ordered.
"No! We'll stand and fight with you!" They all said.
"No! It'll only make matters worse! Now go!" He shouted.
The others heeded his advice and made their way towards the exit as Raptor clashed with several members of the squad.
A number of mages blocked their path, but Sakura fired at the ground, creating a cloud of dust to hide them.
They burst through the cloud, they were almost at the exit.
They heard a scream and they turned to see Karin was grabbed as she struggled to break free.
"Karin!" Shri-Lanka and Wedge jumped in to help her before they were quickly surrounded.
"Get out of my way!" Shri-Lanka roared as she swung her Naginata, crushing the ground before her as she engaged in combat.
"Karin!" Raptor turned, but as he did, Alucard came down on him, pinning him to the ground with a foot on his head.
"You're not going anywhere, Prince." He chuckled as he motioned a finger into a spell of light that locked Raptor's limbs together.
Storm tried to help them, but Sakura and Cid grabbed him and carried him to the door.
"What are you doing? Our friends are in trouble!" Storm shouted.
"Now's not the time! We're no good if we're caught along with them!" Cid told him.
"Don't worry, we'll come back for them." Sakura assured him as they continued to run.
Carlos covered the rear as he fired his magic at them, which was barely holding them off.
"They're tough bastards aren't they!"
He reared back his fists and sent a barrage of shockwaves to the ceiling, causing large debris to fall towards the ground.
"Hang in there, guys! We'll get you out no matter what it takes!" He shouted as he turned, the debris blocking the exit and the pursuit.
Storm had finally calmed down as he stared at the pile of rubble where the others were.
"Everyone, I swear that I'll save you! Even if I die!"
