Chapter 10
Ideal Justice Dynamism

The Heroes have made it to the cave, with the letters "UDD" on it. Miranda asked, "Hey, is it that dark?"

Nick said, "Did you remember the torches?"

Erika pouted, "I knew we should've grabbed sticks. Otherwise, I'd end up stumbling with flashlights."

Eri said, "Well, I'm not going in…"

Emily added, "Me, neither."

Nick said, "Stick by me. Some of you will wait outside. We need to make sure no one must find us here."

Haruna said, "Right. Eri, Erika, Emily, and I will keep guard. Nick… you, Miranda, Kandy, & Harima head inside that cave."

Miranda said, "As long as it's not a maze."

She snapped, "What? I HATE SODDING MAZES! I ALWAYS GET LOST, EVERY TIME!"

Emily said, "It's okay. I fear of getting lost, too, Mommy."

Harima said, "It's fine. If you lost your way, just trust your instinct. I did it, when Rich Girl and I were once lost."

Eri asked, "When was that?"

Harima gulped, as he nervous asked, "Don't you remember?"

Nick said, "You guys, can we get inside, before anything happens?"

Miranda said, "Lead the way, Haskett."

Kandy nodded, as she stepped back, "I'll wait, too. I fear I might-."

Erika asked, "You sure about it? We need the extra muscle."

Kandy blushed, as Eri said, "She'll be fine. I'll watch the robot."

Kandy smiled, "Sawachika… Thank you."

Erika asked, "Uh, I don't get it. Why are you friendly?"

Miranda called, "ERI! COME ON!"

Erika dashed in the cave, as Eri said to Kandy, "Look, you were attacked, before. The least I can do is protect you."

Haruna said, "She has all the protection she needed."

Kandy nodded, "She's right. You're not an adventurer, Miss Sawachika."

Eri said, "Well… It's when you were attacked-. Never mind."

They waited, as Mary Lane was far away, looking for the cave. She kept walking, until she sensed Max and Helen.

"AAH! It's them!" She thought, "Bollocks! I'll have to find them, and quickly!"

She dashed off, looking for the cave, except she was miles away, heading the wrong direction… but she knew where she was going.

XXXXX

Inside the cave, Nick and friends were in a dank and dark cave. Harima lit a torch, as Nick found a door.

"A passageway," he said, "This will be perfect for seeing what lies ahead in this cave."

Erika said, "Okay… Just be careful when you step inside, Nick."

Miranda asked, "Uh, you don't think that there are traps here, are there?"

Nick said, "I don't think so. If there were, there'd be signs everywhere."

Harima replied, "Not that you'd care, but wouldn't that predictable? I mean, if NO signs, maybe there are traps, already."

Nick said, "My knowledge is correct. Besides, I have never seen a sign that says "KEEP OUT! Enter at your own risk". Don't forget… no one found this island, other than myself."

Erika said, "If you ask me, I don't like it, when I am in the dark, all by me lonesome."

Miranda said, "You got me on your side."

They headed into the next room, which had a wooden door in front of it. They entered the door, which had a huge dark room, with poorly lit torches on each wall, and bats flew past them. Miranda shrieked, as some bats went past her. Erika ducked, as she groaned, "Just a rat with wings. Ridiculous. And this beats the Dark Mines."

Nick said, "It's nothing."

Miranda sniveled, "Nick, can we hurry up? I haven't been in a cave, in years."

Nick said, "We're almost there."

He opened the huge wood door, and showed a room with a dossier on a podium. It also had small stone dragon statues on each pedestal. Nick then went closer, as Miranda and Erika were trembling in fear.

"Dragons…" Erika whimpered, "I never heard of those…"

Harima said, "Boy, this makes a great chapter for my comic."

Nick blew some dust off the book and examined the pages. He then read an article about a power called "Ideal Justice Dynamism".

"Hey, girls," he called, "Look at this."

He read, as the girls looked on:
Ideal Justice Dynamism – a powerful energy burst for those who are of pure of heart or of a royal and heroic descent. It is said that the powers are awaken, if and when the user is at a crisis, not surrendering, or if under weak power. If awakened, their powers are skyrocketed and they are practically invincible. Only a select few can wield and harness this power… and very few are deceased, after using its power for good."

Miranda asked, "Ideal…"

Erika asked, "Justice?"

Harima barked, "Impossible!"

Miranda looked at her hands and thought, "Ideal Justice Dynamism… It has a name? No wonder I had such immerse energy, during my battles. I wonder if Sara had it, too."

Nick said, "There's more… While few have succumbed to darkness and fought against it, the color of the power's aura depends on the users' traits."

He asked, "Not to be rude, but didn't you guys have that power, also?"

Erika said, "So did you. You used it, after you fought Miranda in the Zubu tournament… and Kandy had it, when she fought those mummies and that ghoul in Dark Argos."

Miranda said, "Kenneth had it, when I was back in Japan. And so did Haruna, when she turned pure gold, facing Krauser."

She barked, "Nevertheless, it's bleeding amazing. I never knew I had such strength."

Harima thought, "Then… When I thought about my life, Tenma and her sister's, Rich Girl's, and everybody at home… It was like her powers. I never gave up, when it comes to battle."

He said, "Amazing. Tenma… If you could only see me now…"

XXXXX

Outside, Max was looking for his friends, as he grew worried.

"Blast it! The boss told me to find Mick and Sam, all for that devil in black," he said, "But at the very least, Mary Lane was right, from earlier. But once I find her, I'll save her the trouble and oust her, meself. Then, I'll take care of Half Japanese, but just like before, except when I show no mercy."

As he continued to walk, looking for his friends, Mary Lane jumped down from behind and confronted Max.

"HEY, STUPID!" She yelled, "HEADS UP!"

POW!

She socked Max in the back of the head, as he tumbled to the ground. He got up and growled. He charged at her and began to brawl with Mary Lane.

"You're dead, you little harlot!" He barked.

"Bring it, dweeb!" She yelled.

They continued to fight, as Max was struggling to land a punch. He swung, but missed, as Mary Lane grabbed his wrist and twisted it around. He cried for help, as he pleaded he was only following orders. She barked that he was lying, and is only working for Helen Devlin, under her master's orders.

"You're a fool, Max!" She snapped, "You realize that the world is at stake? I'm only doing this, just so you and your friends are safe. Just think about it! Me very life is at stake!"

Max snuffed, as he was still being restrained, "Why should I trust you?"

He broke free and tackled her down, punching her, again and again, as she blocked each punch. Mary Lane crawled off, as he landed a punch to the ground.

"LISTEN TO ME!" She shrilled.

She ducked Max's kick, as she socked him in the gut. He stumbled onto a tree, hurting his back.

But then, suddenly, Haruna heard the commotion, from far away.

"Did you hear that?" She asked.

Emily said, "There's someone already here?"

Eri thought, "Those voices… NO!"

She trembled, "Not again! I recognize those voices! It's Max and that woman that beat up Maynard and Whiskers!"

Kandy gasped, "How could you have known?"

Eri sobbed, "Hearing them, and knowing that they come to me, was lucky… Max wanted me back to him, and that woman… OH! The woman is hell… She beat up Whiskers…"

Haruna said, "Okay. I'll lead the way! Let's go!"

They headed to where Mary Lane and Max were, as Helen was still looking around the island, heading for the cave.

"Gee, I wonder if it was that far to obtain the amulet…" she thought.

XXXXX

Haruna and the others arrived, seeing both Max and Mary Lane brawl at each other.

Kandy pleaded, as she cried, "HEY! STOP IT! You two stop fighting!"

Mary Lane grabbed his neck and seethed. However, she turned to the heroes and gasped in shock.

"THEM!" She thought, as she let go of Max.

Max groaned, "Well, well… Good to see you again, Half-Japanese…"

Eri shouted, "Quit saying that!"

Haruna barked, "Who the hell are you?"

Max stood up, as Mary Lane dusted herself off. She then said, "This guy's Max, if you don't know him. He's working for an evil woman."

Eri gasped, "Huh? You?"

Max said, "It's nothing. I was only following orders. I have nothing to exclaim, since you guys are dead weight."

Emily sobbed, "But… Why is she with you?"

Haruna sneered, "Mary Lane Remington… I should've known you'd show up, again… after you retired from Boxing."

Emily gasped, "You know her, Haruna?"

Haruna said, "Yes. She was once a Welterweight Champion, in the boxing circuit. But she said that her heart was out of sync, ending up losing her title."

Mary said, "You surprised to see me, Dragon Tail?"

Haruna glared, "My grudge is with the mastermind behind this demonic torture that you gave me, Kandy, Harima, Miranda, and Emily. You scared Emily, you hurt Miranda, and that gives you the right to show your victory?"

Mary Lane said, "Is that all? If what I did was hurtful, I'm sorry. But I wish to fight Miranda Maynard, alone."

Max snuffed, "She's nothing! Mary Lane is a phony, and you four will-!"

Haruna removed her Chinese attire, showing her blue shirt with black pants, with her hair flowing down. She had a round black left shoulder pad on, with the Chinese symbol for Haruna (弹簧) on it.

"You, scar-face, have a date with me!" Haruna said, as she cracked her knuckles, "Harima could not resist me and my martial arts. But neither was Rydell Krauser."

She smiled, "If I were you, I'd be pretty scared."

Mary Lane stepped back, as she yawned, "Watch it, you Kung Fool! Max can easily beat your arse, any day of the week. He's okay, beating up chimps, like you. Of course, he wouldn't dare hurt the little girl and the blonde."

Max huffed, "Once I finish with Miss Kung Fu Chicken, the gynoid is next! And then, I'll take me prize and grab Half-Jap with me!"

Mary Lane said, "Do whatever you want. I want Miranda."

Haruna does a Kung Fu stance and said to the others, "Eri, right? Take Emily and Kandy, and run."

Kandy said, "No! I'm not leaving you behind. You know what these guys are capable of."

Max said, "I'd listen to your friend, Half-British."

Haruna was pissed. She growled, "What did you call me?"

"You live with us Englishmen that you grew to become one of us. Now, isn't that a rib, rather nigh?"

"NIGH THIS!"

SOCK!
She socked Max in the face with a huge right punch. Mary Lane gasped, as Max was being kicked in the gut, repetitively, as she started to glow gold.

"I WON'T LET YOU GET AWAY WITH THIS!" She yelled, "YOU HURT MY FRIENDS, AND FOR THAT, YOU WILL PAY! DEARLY!"

Mary Lane cringed in horror, "The Ideal Justice Dynamism?! But how? Is it possible that our recent battle had her suppressed so much power?"

Max roared, "YOU ROTTEN LITT-!"

She grabbed Max by the waist and delivered a huge right kick to the skull. And then, she slammed a knee to his face, a left roundhouse to his chest, a heel kick to his chin, and a right palm strike on his stomach. She tripped him down and landed him, face-first. She pointed at Mary Lane and told her that she's next.

"Ooh… I'm so scared…" she said.

She growled, "Blasted Chinese Harlequin! She thinks she's a Superwoman, huh?"

She gasped, as she thought, "NO WAY! Then, if what the stories about Miranda were true… then, I could have bested her, for nothing! I defeated her, and it was all for naught! Because she suppressed that power!"

She grabbed Max in a camel clutch, as the others were shocked. Eri pleaded, "OKAY! YOU MADE YOUR POINT! LET HIM GO!"

Haruna shouted, "AW, NO! NOT AGAIN! I AIN'T LETTING GO, THIS TIME! PAYBACK TIME, YOU BASTARD!"

She stretched his back tight, as Mary Lane was in shock. She then growled, "Damn it! I won't let him die, just because of a hold that holds camels tight in deserts! NO WAY! I will not stand for it!"

Max cried out, "UNCLE! I GIVE!"

Haruna stretched back, as Max was spurting blood. But then…

BAM!

Mary Lane struck Haruna in the head with her right kick. Haruna was out, but so was Max. Eri and Emily trembled in fear, as Kandy stopped her, by standing in front of her.

"Get out of my way, you robot!" She snapped.

"Bite your tongue!" Kandy said, "They mean you no harm!"

She added, "Miss Mary Lane, I know you wanted to help us, but we don't like you, after the battle that you and your goons had against us."

Mary Lane said, "Yeah, well, none of this wouldn't have happened, if Helen Devlin used me."

Eri gasped, "Who? Devlin?"

Emily cringed, "She sounded scary."

Kandy said, "Are you saying that you're casting the blood pudding on our holiday?"

Mary Lane said, "Yeah! That little minx of a demon is working for a higher power."

Eri asked, "What do you mean?"

Mary Lane said, "I'm afraid you are going to have to listen to me, clearly and personally, because I fear that I would die, soon."

She then explained that Helen Devlin is a prodigy for Rydell Krauser, the evil sorcerer that once used Emily for his plans on immortality, but was stopped by Miranda and Haruna.

Emily gasped, as she was in tears, "Krauser?! NO! NOT THAT NAME AGAIN!"

Eri comforted her, "No, calm down. Stay calm…"

Mary Lane asked, "You know of him?"

Kandy said, "Do we ever?"

Emily sobbed, "That's the same man that cut me in the legs!"

Kandy barked, "SO! Rydell Krauser is behind this?"

Mary Lane said, "Not him… His apprentice, Helen Devlin."

Haruna woke up and seethed, "That Krauser? He had a student of evil?"

She moaned, "Why didn't we know that sooner?"

Mary Lane said, "There's more to the story… and you wouldn't like the part… The part about Maxie's own thugs."

She then explained the story, in full, about how she came to be, from her first meeting with Shawn and Helen, to her sudden suspicions of the evil student. She also added that Max and his friends were brainwashed. And Miranda and Harima are in danger, since Helen has arrived on the island.

Eri gasped, "This is bad…"

Kandy said, "But… What would Helen want, on this island?"

Mary Lane shook her head and said, "You don't want to know."

XXXXX

Back in the cave, Miranda looked at the statues and said, "Whoa… Someone must've carved these beauties. Then again, no one was here. I'm surprised that we knew about ourselves, including this mysterious book."

Harima said, "Yes. But why would a cave like this have a book that holds secrets?"

Erika said, "Beats me. But I don't know about you, but I want out of here… and quick."

Miranda replied, "What are you, nuts? I wanna learn more about this cave."

She walked off, but tripped on a stone tile, landing on the dragon statue. She held onto the statue and fell to the floor.

Harima cried, "MIRANDA!"

Erika snuffed, "Clumsy…"

Miranda moaned, as she held her chest, "Ow… That smarts."

But as she got up, a huge stone wall opened. It started to shine a huge gold shine, showing a golden amulet with black, purple, and red gems. She was in awe, along with Harima, Erika, and Nick.

Outside, Helen felt a huge pulse of energy, while she saw a view of a shiny gold light.

"GAH!" She growled, "Someone must've found the amulet!"

She smiled, "Oh, no matter… I'll do away with her… or him… and then take it from them. And then, Master, I will have your revenge, at last!"

Back inside the cave…

"What did you do?" Erika asked, as she pulled Miranda up.

Miranda cringed, "Oh, my god… Is that…"

She cried, "TREASURE?"

Nick cried, "Mira, NO! It may be a cursed item."

Erika said, "It felt a bit dark and heinous."

Nick said, "Are you sure? What is it?"

Miranda spoke to Harima, "Can you get it? I have a life to live…"

Harima said, "I might… But… I fear that it may be harmful. I'll try and grab it."

He took off his jacket and approached the amulet. He walked cautiously, holding his jacket over his hands, about to grab the golden trinket.

"Come on, Kenji," Miranda said, "Come on…"

Erika whispered, as she stepped back, "Easy, Mira… Whiskers knows what he's doing."

"That's it…" Miranda said.

He grabbed the amulet and wrapped it around his jacket, into a black ball. He then ran to them.

"Guys, I don't know about you, but we better get out of here." He said.

They left the cave, as Miranda sighed, "Thank god…"

She added, "But, hey, at the very least, we managed to learn about our powers, completely."

Erika asked, "Not that I bother, but if this Ideal Justice Dynamism is true, how come Emily does not have it? Isn't she of Maynard blood?"

Miranda said, "Yes. But, she is too inexperienced. Besides, my daughter wasn't ready for this power. Haruna is making sure, so she has years of practice."

Harima said, "Well, seeing is believing. Emily could be one of the heroes, once she grows up."

Miranda said, "No. First, she has to be an adult, and then, she can fight with the king."

Nick snuffed, "You have a way to handle kids…"

Erika said, "If we ever have one, I want him or her to train as one of my own, without fail."

Miranda sobbed, as she gave up, "Why me? I needed a rest."

XXXXX

They emerged back outside, and saw that the others are gone. The sky started to grow dusk.

Miranda barked, "Emily! Emily Kathleen Maynard! Where are you?"

Erika said, "Haruna and Kandy are gone, too."

Harima said, "Rich Girl, also."

He said, "You don't think they ran into that woman from-."

Miranda dashed off in fear, "WHERE IS SHE? EMILY!"

They followed Miranda. Nick shouted, "COME ON!"

They ran off, heading to the direction where Mary Lane and Max are. Will they make it, in time?

But little do they know… Helen entered the same cave, with evil intentions. She peered inside the cave and said, "Darn. And here I thought that it'd have light. Of course-."

She looked from afar and saw Harima, holding his jacket in a ball. She sensed a huge immerse power and shrieked, "THE AMULET! HE'S GOT THE AMULET!"

She growled and glowed in a blackish aura, "That rotten little welsher! He has the powerful item that can wake up the Ultimate Dark Dragon! And I was so close, too!"

She then calmed down and sensed Mary Lane, who she noticed, walking with Haruna, Eri, Emily, and Kandy. She then gasped, "No… Mary Lane is with them, now? But where's Max?"

She sensed Max, who was out like a light. She grumbled, as she was fuming. She seethed, "You pitiful mortals! You will pay for destroying my master plan! This is it! I'm going to make you all bleed in me hands! I'm going to take that amulet from you and awaken the dragon that will end ALL of Argos, and the world!"

She marched off, heading to where the heroes meet, as she glared evilly. She knew her way, since she mapped out the entire island.

One thing is certain… Will Miranda and her friends help save Argos and themselves from Helen?
Also, what IS this Ultimate Dark Dragon? Could it be Argos' fate or demise?

Mary Lane said, "And that is it. That's how it went. You see, Helen wants that amulet to summon the dragon and destroy life in Argos, all for Krauser's death."

Kandy trembled, "A Dark Dragon? Miss Devlin is going to consume our land in darkness?"

Emily sobbed, "I wanna go home…"

Eri said, "This is awful. Whiskers and Miranda are in that cave, now. And could they have the amulet?"

Mary Lane snapped, "Why do you care? The amulet is hidden and can only be opened by a correct trigger, behind the cavern walls."

Haruna said, "Is that right? Whatever this amulet has, it might be powerful enough to destroy a life… but I figure that we may destroy it."

Mary Lane said, "No. We destroy that staff Helen has… It's the source of the dragon's 2,000 year resurrection. Only then, we can stop Helen's plan."

Eri asked, "Can we defeat it?"

Mary Lane barked, "No. The dragon is invincible… and only a brave warrior can destroy the most cunning of all Dark Dragons – the Ultimate Dark Dragon."

Eri thought, "So… The cave wasn't a treasure cove. It was a dragon's den. That explains the UDD on the entrance. Miranda and Whiskers… They are inside that den."

She asked her, "One last question… Why are you and Max here on this island?"

Mary Lane said, "We were only following orders. Helen insisted us to watch over the island, in hopes of trespassers, trying to invade this island."

She concluded, "Of course, you guys know about it, but Helen Devlin is evil… and she knows all, including the Dark Dragon's Den."

Eri thought, as she was scared, "I knew coming here was a bad idea… Not because of Max, but of all this. And now, an evil apprentice and her dragon? When this is over, I am never coming back to Argos, again."

Emily cried to Haruna, "Miss Haruna, we have to find Mommy and leave, before-."

"HEY!" Miranda called out, as she and her friends were running to the others.

Mary Lane growled, "Speak of the devil."

Haruna gasped, "Miranda?"

Eri cringed, "Whiskers! You're okay!"

Erika asked, "Where were you? We were looking for you?"

They then looked at Mary Lane, as Emily asked, "Mommy? You are in danger. What were you doing in-?"

"Do NOT talk back, Emily!" She barked, "Why are you with her?"

Mary Lane pouted, "I am sorry."

Erika asked, "Wait… You? You attacked Mira's house?"

Kandy pleaded, "Wait! She meant you no harm! She's here to help us. She knows."

Nick asked, "You mean… The cave?"

Mary Lane said, "It's no cave. You have that amulet, right?"

Harima unwrapped his jacket and showed the gold trinket. He said, "Oh. Is that it?"

Miranda smiled, "A great find, if you ask me."

Mary Lane seethed, "You doomed us all…"

Kandy said, "Bite your tongue, Miss Remington!"

She bellowed, "YOU FOOLS! YOU bite your own tongues, and your heads, as well! Why the bloody hell did you take the Amulet of Ultimate Darkness?"

Everyone gasped, as Nick cried, "WHAT? This thing is…"

Haruna said, "Nick. Mary Lane speaks the truth… The amulet is to awaken a 2,000-year old beast."

Miranda gasped, "What? No way!"

Erika said, "Stuff and nonsense!"

Harima barked, "Liar!"

Eri cringed, "Harima! It's true. She told us everything, including… Max and his friends…"

Harima gasped, "They came?"

Eri nodded, "They were not what you think… I did tell you about him, but he's brainwashed by Helen Devlin… an evil sorceress apprentice."

Emily sobbed, "She's Krauser's witch!"

Miranda and Erika were shocked. They whispered, "Rydell Krauser?"

Miranda trembled, "N-No. There's no way. He had…"

She cried out, "He had a child?"

They all fell in an anime-style THUD, as Mary Lane yelled, "WILL YOU FOCUS, YOU SODDING LITTLE TRAMP?"

Eri said, "Helen, the mastermind behind all this, planned this, from the start! She used Max and his friends and her, just to awaken a two millennia-year old dragon. Mary Lane told me that the dragon, if awaken, shall consume the darkness all over the world, including our city."

Nick said, "Then the cave was actually…"

Erika said, "A dragon's lair."

Haruna said, "Give us the amulet. We know a way."

Harima asked, "And why is that? Why should we give it to you?"

Haruna said, "I mean it! Mary Lane had to grab feathers and a diamond to build a magical staff for the summoning. Helen wanted that amulet for its fullest power. Mary Lane said that she would summon the dragon, on this spot, as soon as she has all the pieces."

Mary Lane said, "This area… It is where the dragon is revived."

Miranda said, "And if that happens, we could see the end…"

Harima said, "…the end of Argos."

Mary Lane added, "And what Devlin said, as the moon turned red… Hell shall be relocated, in Krauser's order."

They looked up, as the full moon was shining in a blood red glimmer.

He thought, "Damn it… Is that what this is all about? We learn of Miranda's powers, but we now learn of a dragon. You don't think this is bad…"

Miranda trembled, "I've heard of a Blue Moon, but this is ridiculous."

Erika said, "Helen Devlin… She's the one that caused it…"

Emily said, "And it's not even night, yet."

Haruna demanded, "Now, give it to us, before it is too late! We have to destroy it!"

Miranda barked, "Just one thing… How do you know all this?"

Mary Lane stammered, as she had a feared look on her face. She sensed that Helen has arrived.

"She… She's here…"

They all gasped, as Miranda and Harima turned around, seeing Helen, dressed in a black cape and purple and pink blouse and pants, with coal black boots. She glared evilly, as the others were shocked.

"Helen Devlin…" Mary Lane winced.

Erika said, "The apprentice of Rydell Krauser."

Harima said, "So, she is the one that sent Max and his thugs."

Nick said, "She's the puppet master."

Helen growled, "Mary Lane Remington… You traitor! You had to tell them everything!"

Miranda shouted, "SO! YOU'RE THE ONE THAT SCARED ME DAUGHTER, HALF TO DEATH!"

Helen laughed, "That was Mary Lane. Not me. I had nothing to do with her… I came for the amulet… I came to collect. Now, hand it over."

Harima yelled, "NEVER! You won't resurrect this Ultimate Dark Dragon, while we are still young!"

Erika thought, "Mira, I'm sorry. We have to destroy the amulet and prevent darkness and Armageddon. And I know how much you wanted to fight a dragon."

Miranda thought, in excitement, "Dragon, schmagon… I can, at least, destroy her, and then fight the bitch that hurt me only daughter. Krauser… even in death, you never learn, when you fight Miranda Maynard, Hero of Argos."

Emily held her backpack and said, "Mommy… I hope you can beat her."

Miranda ordered, "I'll fight you! Eri! You and the others take shelter, and run for it!"

Mary Lane halted her, "Don't! I'll fight her! I think it's time I get payback for using me."

Helen giggled, "Oh? And the little trollop decided to fight me, first?"

They dashed off, behind the bushes, as Miranda asked her, "Are you sure? Let me… I can fight her."

"You don't know what she's like. She is weak and frail, but I vow to the little girl that I won't disappoint."

"Trust me. I've met Rydell Krauser before, and you haven't. And if she is that dark student, then I can take her. She has a dark power inside her."

"Whereas you have that Ideal Dynamism?"

"I know. I just learned about that, a while back."

"Lucky you."

Miranda took a stance and barked, "We'll fight her, together! NO ONE tries to cast the world into darkness and despair, and gets away with it!"

She shouted, "FOR ARGOS!"

Mary Lane was confused, "For Argos? You're doing this for your home?"

Miranda barked, "This is a matter of life and death! I do this… for my home. I was born and raised in Argos, and I'll bleed in Argos! (Well, I was born in Somerset, but that's different)."

Helen hovered up, and then down, landing on the ground, glowing in a dark aura. She then said, "Then… I shall do this… for the world… WHEN I SHROUD IT INTO DARKNESS! HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA!"

Miranda glared, as she held her sword up, while Mary Lane did a boxing stance.

She said, as she clutched her sword with her right hand, "I'll make you wish you'd never use this young woman and hurt me daughter."

Eri prayed, "You can do it, Miranda…"

Emily whimpered, "Mommy…"

Haruna said, "It'll all be over, soon, guys!"

Harima held the amulet tight, as he thought, "Come on, Maynard. End it, so we can go home."

She and Mary Lane charged at her, "DEVLIN!"

Who will win this penultimate battle?

Next time: "The Ultimate Darkness Arises"