Chapter 10.

You just had to get in the way...bloody fool. Why don't you just die?!

"Because. I have someone to protect. I may have let them down...and they can think whatever they want, but I still love her. I've got to get back to Wystern before it's too late. They'll send her back...or kill her if I don't act."

Silence in the void. The voices had argued for what seemed like an eternity, and neither seemed to be a deciding influence. There was a piercing light that made the void vanish...before reality returned. His head ached...every bone in his body felt like it was broken...but he was still alive. Breathing. He'd washed up on an unknown island...but no signs of life anywhere. Taking care of his wounds took priority. Spending the next few hours waiting for the pain to leave, he looked up at the dark sky.

"Sugar...I'll save you. They'd force you into the Labyrinth...or back to Saurpeth if I don't hurry..." the lone figure muttered.

It had been four days since Joshua's fall of the tower, and there hadn't been any sign of the body anywhere. What was worse, is that two of the other swords, The Northen and Eastern sword had been found, and vanished, taken by an unknown figure. Many plots of one of the CraftLord had been thrwated by a mysterious warrior, and the CraftLord was stripped of his rank.

The door to Joshua's workshop had been tightly locked shut, and multiple heavy objects were stacked up against the door, preventing anyone from breaking through. Sugar sat in the center of the room, crying loudly. Everyone was searching for Joshua, dead or alive to punish him for threatening the lives of two CraftLords, and the merciless slaughtering of the soldiers. Sooner or later, though, they'd break through, and she'd be forced back to Saurpeth, forever.

"Joshua...Where are you...Why...did you have to do that...?!"

Not many even bothered discussing Joshua anymore, some had begun saying that he was a demon, sent to destroy them all. So many confusing questions and accusations, but no answers. The earthquakes only continued to get worse, and the tournament was drawing even closer to completion. But it was time...with thier attention diverted, he could break free...at last...

"Someone's knocked the CraftKnights unconcious! He's heading to that kid's room! Stop him!"

There was a loud eruption of sound as the door smashed open, a figure eveloped in shadows turned towards the broken door, before raising his hand. A huge wall of solid stone blocked the entrance, before he approached Sugar, and offered his hand. She hesitated, casting Aqua Tornado at him, only for it to harmlessly disperse. A sword was clutched in his hand...

"...I know you're looking for him. Come. I shall take you to see Joshua." the figure said calmly.

"H-he's alive?! You know where he is?!" an astonished Sugar asked.

"Yes. Now come. You'll learn soon enough..."

Reaching out for the mysterious figure's hand, she grasped it tightly. Everything began to go all hazy. The workshop vanished into nothing, before a new set of surroundings appeared. A beautiful island, but there was nothing there...no people, houses or anyone. Sugar grabbed the figure's cloak and pushed him back.

"Where is he?! I need to see him!" Sugar yelled, tears forming in her eyes.

"...Why? So you can scold him? Yell at him for the terrible things he did? There's more to it than you think, you know. When you saw him kill those soldiers...he was himself, but at the same time, he wasn't. You see...inside his heart lurks a huge amount of darkness. And during his time here, it's only continued to grow stronger, and when he lost control...you saw what the happened."

Sugar stared, horrified.

"So...you mean there's a copy of himself that can take over his body and kill without hesitation? So he's innocent?! Meanig he wasn't the one trying to kill us?! Please! You need to come with me to tell the CraftLords! They must know about this! So he can come back! So...we can be...together again..." Sugar sobbed.

The mysterious figure hesitated.

"...Very well...But I doubt Joshua will come back...Like I said, there's more to it than this." the figure sighed.

With another movement of his arms, they both re-appeared in Wystern. And after a long and tiring explanation from the robed figure, they reluctantly decided that Joshua would be allowed to return, but would be under constant supervision. If the incident, however were to repeat itself...there would be no hesitation on his removal from the tournament, and other punishments.

A busy day, and the figure watched Sugar leave the workshop. Quietly following her, he watched as she stood alone on the boat, crying. Her tears sparkled brightly. Coming up behind her, the robed figure placed a hand on her shoulder.

"You miss him...don't you? Trust me...you'll see him again. He wouldn't want to make you cry anymore. He's afraid to see you again, for what people would say...for what they could do. You couldn't believe what he did...acting the way he did. He struggled to be himself again, as soon as he saw your horrified face...to the point of breaking into tears...it brought him back." the figure explained.

"...I couldn't believe he'd do such a thing...I just want to see him again. Take me to him...please...I have to help him." Sugar replied.

The figure felt rather reluctant to say or do anything. Placing a hand up to the hood covering his face, he pulled it away, revealling the two dark green eyes, but unlike before, they lacked thier shine. His cheerful face was replaced by one of sorrow. Removing the robes covering his body, he was still wearing the same clothes as before, only his body had been covered with horrible wounds.

"I'm too blame. I don't deserve having someone believing in me after everything I've done. I guess...It's time to tell you everything. I've gathered the other two swords, and I've helped many people during my absence. And I kept the darkness locked away. It's only knowing that I'd have to save you is what kept me going." Joshua started to explain.

Sugar wasn't sure wether to cry with joy, or try to yell at him for making her worry. Joshua turned away, unable to face her.

"My full name is Joshua Lightwalker...and when I said to others there's more to me than meets the eye, that's true. I've been hiding my power since I arrived, fearing that something like this could happen. Like you, I can cast magic, only different types...and I am The Ultimate Gamer. You may have heard of Sir Johnathan Lightwalker. He's my ancestor." Joshua said calmly.

"...Joshua...Now I understand...you've got a large burden on your shoulders...I remember my father telling me stories about a Sir Johnathan Lightwalker...and his battle against a powerful foe many years ago, before he was born. He said...that his grandfather fought by his side as his Guardian Beast. And they said that thier decendants would meet." Sugar explained.

"...Then...if your...his descendant, then I haven't been treating you with the proper respect. You're THE princess of Sapureth aren't you? I'm sorry if I..." Joshua started.

"It's okay. I wanted to be with you, no matter what happened. I knew there was something special about you...there was an incredible power radiating from you when we first meet. I'm just happy you've come back!" Sugar said, before hugging Joshua, breaking into tears.

Somewhat stunned by this series of discoveries, he simply held Sugar in his arms.

"Joshua...I...I love you...don't leave me...again..." Sugar sobbed.

Joshua gave a small smile and looked in her tear-filled eyes. Wiping the sparkling droplets of water away from her face, he moved forward and kissed her on the lips, before pulling away. Drying her eyes and smiling back, she just continued to hold him in his arms until morning came...

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Chapter 10.

The next morning, Joshua and Sugar returned to the Workshop hand in hand. Apologizing for his actions, and his abscence, he handed the three swords over. Knowing that he was still in the tournament, there wouldn't be many opponents left. Varil was still in the competition. Finding the notice waiting for them when he walked back into thier room, he felt uneasy when he opened it.

"Sanary. I knew something like this would happen."

A key fell to the ground, meaning he'd most likely able to go to the lowest floors of the labyrinth. Wondering why he'd have to go down that far, Joshua knew that he'd have to do his best. Sugar would be beside him, and they knew they'd be able to triumph over anyone if they believed they could. Speaking of Sanary, she came walking in.

"Hey. I came to give you some encouragment for the match. Now, I don't want you to hold back. I've forged a new sword, and even though I heard what you did, I'll win for sure! I'll see you later!" Sanary yelled, leaving as quick as she came in.

Heading outside to the Central Tower, another earthquake made the entire city shake. Whatever was causing it, Joshua was begining to feel ill again. As long as he kept calm, and with Sugar by his side, he wouldn't have to worry about the dark copy of himself getting free like before. Even before entering the arena, the earth shaked violently again.

"I have to focus. Come on, Sugar!" Joshua yelled.

Stepping into the arena, Joshua felt ill again. He knew he'd be okay...but he was worried if something happened. Could there be something that let the darkness in him emerge again? His thoughts were interrupted when there was a bright flash. Sanary's Guardian Beast. It looked like a green egg.

"...Sakuro. If something begins to go wrong, I want you to stop the match. You understand, right?" Joshua asked.

"Very well. Since you both are ready, fight with honor and dignity! The 99th round of the tournament! Joshua Vs Sanary! Fight!"

Waitng for Sanary to make her move, Joshua noticed her weapon which was enveloped in a red glow. It didn't take him long to realise the weapon was blazing with a fire spell. Pointing at Joshua, he looked around for the Guardian Beast, before it appeared in front of him. Unable to move away, it's body erupted in flame, sending intense heat through his body. When the flames died down, he dusted himself off and rushed towards Sanary, sword raised.

There was a bright flash of light as the weapons collided. Knowing that Sanary was distracted with him nearby, he motioned to Sugar. Heeding Joshua's call, she rushed to his side, and lifted her arm into the air. Two pillars of water blasted out of the floor, making Sanary go airborne. Landing with a thud, she lunged at Joshua, the blade smashing into his side. The fiery blade inflicted huge pain, making him fall to his knees.

"Not bad...time to get serious!" Joshua yelled.

Leaping back, he looked down at himself. He was still him. Looking up to see Sanary almost on top of him, he leapt into the air, both of them swung thier weapons, and both were sent flying down to the floor. Getting to his feet, both seemed to getting tired. Both rushed at each other, swords drawn and there was another flash of light. Both were on opposite sides of the arena. Turning around, he saw Sanary fall to her knees, exaughsted.

"The winner is Joshua!" Sakuro yelled.

Racing to her side, making sure she was alright, he helped her to her feet. Giving a weak smile, she left. Joshua was going to go after her, but Sugar held him back. Nodding, he walked into the corridor, looking at Sugar.

"We're in the finals! We managed to come this far! I'm so glad!" Sugar cheered.

Heh...Excited, aren't we? Guess you'll have to learn what despair is! a voice in Joshua's mind called.

Two red eyes flickered behind Sugar. Joshua's body froze.

"Look out!" Joshua yelled.

Sugar span around, only to find a fist crashing right into her stomach, making her fall over unconcious. The figure raised his head and smiled. No...it wasn't possible!!! How could he be like that?! A seperate person?! Joshua felt cold and unable to move as the dark copy grinned wickedly.

"Pity. What to do, Joshua? Choose to go home, or save the girl you cherish? I wonder what you'll do! Mwahahahah!!!" the copy laughed, before vanishing into the dark, taking Sugar with him.

Joshua could only stare before falling to his knees. This couldn't be happening! Instead of him losing control, the darkness had actually taken a physical form! An almost identical copy to him! What was he going to do now...? The final match was coming up...but if he did that, Sugar's life would be forfiet. If he went after Sugar...he'd lose all chance of leaving this world.

Looking down at his hands, he knew what he'd have to do. He promised he'd protect Sugar, no matter what. But if he was going to go down into the deepest depths of the labyrinth alone, he'd need his other sword. No longer concerned about the rules, since her life was at stake, he rushed back the workshop and took his blade from Bron's room.

"Sol Blade 2. It's finally back in my hands again..." Joshua muttered.

Looking down into the darkness of the labyrinth, he drew the sword he and Sugar forged. Both weapons were at the ready, and if he was lucky, he'd be able to get to the bottom floor with the power he had now.

"Hold on Sugar...I'm coming..." Joshua whispered.

The earthquakes...something in the depths of this labyrinth was causing them. And this was the darkness he had to destroy to save this world. Whatever waited, he wouldn't hesitate.

Down in the darkness...Sugar was just regaining conciousness. She was laying on the cold ground, 'Dark Joshua' towering over her, whle another figure watched from the shadows. The trap had been set. Now all they had to do was wait...and knowing Joshua, he'd be arriving very soon...