(POV: Third)

Sinblade only had seconds to spare. Gale was at the mercy of the fiend. He could feel the deathly aura spread around the demon like wildfire. The puppet master's mere presence was enough fuel for the fallen man, for there was nothing left for him to control now. Whatever human once resided in that soulless being was discarded, shoved into the innermost space of his mind. The man called Chase Hallows, or even Christian Amino, was suppressed. There was no reasoning with the fiend, and Sinblade knew that. As he saw the devil crush Gale's arm bit by bit, he knew that there was no time for discussion; he had to act. The fallen man didn't even bat an eye at the incoming foe. Sinblade kicked the creature, thrusting at the man's thigh with a strong right kick!

The demon merely looked at the dragon of sin.

Eirik's buddy finally felt it; his legs shook from the realization that struck him cold. His breathing became disjointed and uneasy, but the demon barely took notice. Finally, he slowly began to tighten his grip on Gale's arm, leaving a deep imprint. Gale's arm might as well be in pieces. If it wasn't for the muscles and skin holding the arm together, there would've been nothing left. Gale quickly went to grasp his horrifically wounded arm with his free hand, but the devil wasn't done. With Sinblade having his guard down, CJ grasped Gale by the leg, yanking it up. Gale fell to the floor with a loud thud. He gasped for air, but he wasn't in the clear yet. The demon's body became tainted in darkness. The flame-like aura wildfire that surrounded him began to envelop him whole. The Disaster Force coated him, shielding his entire body. The only trace of him that could be seen as a silhouette and his white, unforgiving eyes. Without much effort, he yanked Gale's body at Sinblade, sending the puppet master into a collision with the retainer. Sinblade didn't snap back in time, realizing too late what was coming for him. Gale crashed into the dragon, tumbling to the side as Sinblade fell on his back. Eirik cried out to his partner, watching as he saw his close partner trembling. "Sinblade, get back, quick!" Gale gritted his teeth, whimpering from the pain as the two of them rushed away. Alvis had no idea what to make of this new creature before him. The demon's soulless eyes gazed at him. They didn't move. The eyes focused forward and only watched. Alvis, giving in, looked away. However, just as he turned, the demon was in his view again.

He was right in front of him.

Alvis couldn't even react. A corroded arm shot out from the fiery aura, seizing the man's neck with a tight grip. He couldn't feel the floor beneath him. The demon began raising the poor fool into the air, allowing gravity to do the work as his hand slowly strengthened his grip. Alvis weakly glanced over to his brother. Eirik was helpless; he wouldn't do anything. Sinblade couldn't even do anything. Alvis knew there was no hope. Suddenly, as he turned back to face his assailant, the flames swelled and subsided. For just one small moment there was a gap. Even though it was a short moment, the image of CJ, the man he loved, … smiling with the teeth of a horrible beast,… he knew he lost him.

There was a sharp roar. It was low, but with it came the end of the assault. The demon released Alvis, dropping him to the ground. The victim coughed, heaving as he curled his body on the floor. Anxiously, he tapped the area around his neck. It hurt. It hurt just to touch them. Alvis couldn't stop shaking. He rushed away, returning to his brother's side. Gale was the only one who appeared to know what he was doing; using the stolen energy, he began to mend the horrible wound. The Disaster Force was only barely able to maintain such rampant energy. Just as he felt like his arm was beginning to heal, his Dark Core Deck Case shattered. He jolted back, watching as a monsoon of aura sent itself out of the broken device before dissipating in the air, leaving this world. "Damn, she had too much of it," Gale gulped.

Everyone gazed at the frozen demon before them. The low roar emerged again; Azi Dahaka took control. The three heads slowly drifted towards the possessed shell, chuckling demonically as he acknowledged Arkaid's limp body. "You may be the owner of such rampant powers, but such energy came from me," Dahaka lowly scowled. His heads remained steady. He had no fear. This man was now his pet for the time being. "… This isn't good," he muttered. "I feel your resistance, you pathetic human."

Eirik gasped. "CJ's resisting you?"

"For now," Azi Dahaka scowled. "In due time, the man you call Chase Hallows will be able to reemerge, discarding this power. As long as he wishes to separate himself from this power, he will not truly reach his ultimate potential."

"Y-You're kidding me!" Eirik cried out. "You're telling me we put him through all of that for nothing?!"

"Do not speak out of turn, you lowly human," Dahaka slowly moaned. He turned back, facing his three human disciples. "You've done well to bring him to me. I'm afraid, as long as he is like this, I will be unable to refer to our deal as complete."

Gale's arm twitched. His pulse vibrated throughout his arm as it sagged helplessly at his side. "Well, what else do you want us to do? I'm not walking out of this empty-handed; not after what that bastard did to me!"

"Precisely, which is why I'm offering you three an ultimatum," he replied. "Because of how much this man despises this power, I see that it is impossible for us to use him. However, if we were to go with the original plan, then you may consider my promise to you fulfilled."

Alvis sighed. "You mean…."

"You must drag the power out of him yourselves," he returned lowly. "I cannot do so; he has no connection to me. I fear that it is too difficult to transfer the energy without finding someone he's emotionally connected to."

"Emotionally connected?"

"The Disaster Force is fueled on negative emotions," Dahaka boomed. "It would be wise to understand that emotions are what help connect you mortals together. May it be positive… or negative… it does not matter," Dahaka exhaled deeply. His breath was seen in the air. The chilling atmosphere emphasized the intense heat that emerged from his four mouths. "You have seen that man use the power out of love, and you have seen the puppet master use it out of hatred. Emotions affect the Disaster Force, for emotions are the true emissaries of chaos and disaster. Love deters a mannered man to kill. Hate brings a conman to play the role, hiding behind a veil. It is through this that the Disaster Force flows freely. That is why one of you three must do it, for that man has no connection to me. He is connected to you three mortals; the men who made him witness his partner's death."

There were no ifs or buts about it; Azi Dahaka's demands were final. As he stated, it was not a compromise, but an ultimatum. The three men turned to each other, exchanging glances with darkened faces. Eirik's was more frightened, however. He couldn't fathom making this choice; CJ's power was one that he didn't want to take for his own, even for a short while. He anxiously took in a deep breath, exhaling before gazing at Arkaid's limp body. He quivered, hoping that she would move once more. Eirik gulped, soon raising his head. He came this far, he decided, so he had to carry on with this.

Alvis stuck his arm out, blocking his brother. "I'll do it," he returned grimly. Eirik gasped, but Gale sighed in relief; he didn't want to feel whatever demons now possessed the weakened man. Alvis turned to his brother, smiling weakly as he shrugged his shoulders. "Out of everyone, he probably hates me the most. Besides, if something happens, then it would be fitting if it happened to me; I couldn't forgive myself if I got you hurt."

"Alvis…."

"Alright then, Azi Dahaka; I'm ready." He steadily approached the demon of a man. As he drew closer, CJ's illuminating eyes appeared to shoot out at him. His heart felt weak. It was difficult for him to see the man he loved. Even so, after all of this, he felt like he would only have this one chance at this. "How should I do this?"

Azi Dahaka scowled. "Retrieve the Dark Core Deck Case. Make contact with the possessed. Don't let go."

He understood. Fortunately, such requirements were what he wanted to hear. A sudden image shot through his mind. With the demon not attacking him, he was able to see past that horrible power. He only saw the face of the one he loved; CJ's face. His right hand caressed the lost man's chin. Eirik couldn't look; there was something wrong about this. CJ wasn't there; he wasn't there. Alvis knows that CJ wouldn't want this. He remembered CJ denying Alvis the right to his desires. Alvis, now in complete control, took advantage of him. He went there. His lips pressed against the demon's. His breathing intensified as he grasped onto the Dark Core Deck Case. Snatching it from CJ's side, he continued forth. He grasped both sides of the man's head. Alvis's lips gently fondled the brim of the other. Just this once. He knew he would never have another chance. Just this once.

Gale grimaced, wincing back. The darkening aura began to recede, slowly vanishing from all possible sight. The darkness coating the man's skin began to leave, dissipating before vanishing within the confines of the Deck Case. It was pulling the energy in, thirsty and starving to call back such horrendous power. But it was within Alvis's hands now. The power rushed into the device, removing the ailments from the cold body. Finally, Alvis was able to see CJ's face again. However, the man fell back, tumbling near the edge of the stairs. Alvis gasped, watching as the man fell to the floor.

What he saw next began to shake him. As CJ's body fell it landed beside his fallen comrade. Arkaid's lifeless body rested beside him, almost peacefully. The two bodies were turned to each other. Alvis gritted his teeth. He saw his dream within that image. Back on Earth, resting wistfully in a calm, romantic bedroom, he would see himself sprawled out. The image felt so clear to him. His lover on his right, casually reading over his notes before going off to sleep. Such an imagination began to go wild with Alvis pulling himself under the covers, gleefully looking at the serene look of CJ's face. That was his desire, but now he only saw Arkaid. The sight of her and CJ looking so peaceful together tainted his beautiful image!

The Disaster Force took form. The stolen energy unleashed uncontrollably, consuming Alvis's figure in a mere instant. It erupted out of the demonic eye, enveloping the new wielder of the relentless power. He screamed. Demonic aura rushed into him all at once. His voice was gagged; his lungs struggled to let him cry out in pain. It was too much all at once. Such intense force sent out a shockwave, sending the others flying. Azi Dahaka slowly flew upward, observing carefully the development of this new creation. Eirik and the others tumbled back as strong gusts discarded them like whelps.

Something was wrong. Alvis's screams were no longer intelligible. The Black Sun dragon observed the floor, noticing small splatters. The victim coughed furiously. With each cough, more blood sputtered outward. He pulled back, continuing to observe the situation. He was quiet, watching as the possessed man became less like himself. Alvis was unable to be seen; not even a silhouette remained. Even so, the corroding power orbiting him did not rest. It picked up like a typhoon, swirling and picking up speed with each passing moment. The fiery, pulsating energy covered Alvis, cutting him off. There was no escape from this.

Eirik barely managed to get back to his feet. His body fought against the wind. He drove his feet into the ground with each step, desiring to reach his brother. Alvis was in pain. He couldn't just stand there and let this power destroy him. This was not what happened to CJ; he didn't understand this at all! Before he could even reach him, the energy began to climb, becoming something to the likeness of a hellish tornado. Finally, the tower of gust vanished. Alvis was gone, but what resided in his place revealed to Eirik the truth; he had been played with.

Alvis was no longer there. What remained was a dragon beyond comprehension. It towered over everyone, just short of touching the ceiling if the beast were to take flight! It was nothing like Eirik had ever seen; no dragon had such scales if one could call them that. The scales pulsated, rushing around the body. The aura had become a part of him. It rushed across the demon's body, stretching to every corner until vanishing behind him. The dragon left a silent, gurgling growl. Its cloth-like wings were outstretched, lining the walls of the corroding room.

Despite the beasts tremendous strength, it didn't mouth. It's piercing red eyes gazed forward, devoid of any sign of intelligence. The remains of The Will turned to Azi Dahaka, but the three heads only acknowledged the new dragon standing before him. The three heads slowly moved out of their portals, soon revealing the behemoth of a body that held them together. The Black Sun dragon raised himself high, looking forward at his servant with cold, relentless eyes. "Finally, the promise I have given to you all has been completed."

Eirik was panicking. His brother was gone, leaving nothing but that dragon behind. He demanded answers. "What are you talking about?!" He cried out. "Where's my brother!"

Azi Dahaka barely acknowledged the lowly human. He marched forward, sending quakes across the floor beneath him with each nonchalant step. "I shall give you a name long retired. Disciple of the Black Sun Dragon, Zahhak, you now live to serve me and me alone."

"You promised!" Eirik shouted to the skies. "You promised me!"

"Humans like you lack too much insight," he lowly scowled. "I have fulfilled each of your promises; it was only your hubris to think I would give it to your comrades. Eirik, you now have me and Zahhak at your command for a time. Following your desire to annihilate this world, hoping to give rise to another, I shall annihilate all beings who stand against me, regardless of the world!"

"You… you monster!"

"Gale may have one of my retainers; beings that will relentless serve me until their bitter end. I am certain I'll be able to spare a retainer, for they are extremely loyal to me. With one command, one will be yours. You will finally have a precious partner of your own."

Gale curled a fist. His legs shook, furious at the betrayal. "Your retainers are nothing but demons! You're telling me that my true partner would be nothing more than a puppet! I want the real thing!"

"And lastly, Eirik, your brother's dreams to live into eternity," he coldly growled. Azi Dahaka felt Zahhak's aura. He could feel the power surging across his entire body. It was like his disciple lacked a solid form. "He is now my disciple, living under my command. I am eternal, and so he shall remain. With me giving him a taste of my power, I have allowed him to ascend!"

Eirik had enough of this. "What did you do to him?!"

"You must have sensed it too, mortal," Dahaka coldly replied. "I gave him my power. He was falling apart, unable to handle what that shell of a human once carried. This was as expected, and now I was able to make him like me. The one you call Alvis is gone. There is only my disciple, Zahhak. His dream of being able to live through eternity has been fulfilled. My promises to all of you have been paid, and thus, it is time for me to leave."

"You can't leave!" Eirik rushed to Dahaka's side. "This isn't what we wanted! You warped our wishes, and now you're throwing us away! You can't do this!" Eirik pulled out his Dark Core Deck Case, ready to call out a weapon. Just before he could materialize anything a grim sword extended in front of him. Eirik froze, slowly following the tip of the blade until he reached the hilt. He soon found the arm of his buddy, Sinblade. "N-… no… Sinblade… how could you?"

"… I'm sorry, Master Eirik," the black dragon knight solemnly looked away. "If it appeases you, only Lord Azi Dahaka holds power over you. Besides my Lord, you are someone I'd risk my life for. I am sorry that it has to end this way."

"Sinblade… I just…," Eirik fell to his knees. "I can't believe this is happening…."

"Please, Master Eirik. Do not resist." To Eirik's shock, Sinblade's arm shook. "I don't want my Lord to make the order. Please, do not act out of line. Do not make me do the unforgivable."

The air became dense. For only a moment, Azi Dahaka flinched. There was something else. He turned to the disciple, watching as the eyes flashed back. Zahhak began to lower his head, soon rocking his towering body back and forth. The hypnotic stance made Eirik's skin crawl. Sinblade knew that something was wrong. Hastily, he sheathed his sword, retrieving his buddy. The disciple stared at the Black Sun Dragon, exchanging stares of death. Finally, in a flash, the corroding dragon reeled it's head back. The aura-like scales pulsated faster across his body. The hellspawn rushed forward with a roar that resonated across the land.

Demios led his comrades forth. He felt Liam's desire to save his friends; it was a strong, passionate desire that showed more than enough that he had to do so as soon as possible. The Fifth Omni Cavalry did not take too kindly that they were now back in the domain of Darkness Dragon World. Tasuku and Jackknife were also rather cautious upon their return. Old experiences made Tasuku feel uneasy, but he remained stern and refused to waver. Unfortunately, such confidence did not spread. As soon as they registered their surroundings, they realized just how wretched things had become.

Cries of dragonmen and humans alike rushed away along the streets. Within this small, once-bustling village was now the site of a massive evacuation. Civilians were emptying their homes in loads, whizzing by the cavalry as they rushed to the outermost reaches of the town. The group didn't understand it. Finally, a guard wearing the armor of the Purgatory Knights rushed over to the Commander. "Demios! Thank goodness you're here!"

"What's wrong, soldier?" Demios replied with urgency. "What's up with this town?"

"It's Azi Dahaka, sir!" Demios's face went grim. "But he's not alone, there's- LOOK OUT!" As if God decided to smite the world, a ray of scarlet light struck down. The group jumped clear, avoiding the blast as it rained upon nearby houses. The settlements were obliterated, and the group could only helplessly watch as two enormous dragons rushed into the distance. The titans bashed and slashed at each other as they raced across the veiled skies. As fast as they came, they vanished, leaving behind a town on the verge of complete and total collapse.

(POV: First)

Pounding water. Droplets pelting the carved stone; that's what I started to hear. The sounds becoming rougher, and soon I felt something damp surround me. My senses started coming back to me, and I instantly wished to hide from the cold. I was drenched, now a victim to the weather. For some reason I felt drained. It became a hassle to even move. Scuffling my knees forward, I began to raise myself up. The grogginess in my eyelids restricted my sight; they felt too heavy. However, as I leaned my head back, the sensation of water falling onto my face revitalized my senses.

My hand was still twitching from the pain. The wound didn't appear so bad, but my lip still beat with my heart. Droplets of blood came from the now sealed wounds. I remembered it all. That power took over me, and that dreadful power made me almost give in to my horrific desire. I wanted Alvis dead. Something stopped me; an outside force had restricted my movement. I felt sick to my stomach as I touched my lip, still feeling the sensation of Alvis's kiss. How horrid, I thought. To do something to me while I was in such a vulnerable state…. I felt violated, but it I barely spent much time thinking about it; the only thing on my mind was Arkaid.

Attempting to see my new surroundings, I realized that the castle had fallen. Seeing this castle in such an assault was an assault to the senses, giving me the feeling of whiplash. The ceiling and walls were broken through from the inside; something must have flown out and bashed everything away. The veiled skies cried above me. I felt like they witnessed my story too. Alone and weary, the rain pelted my being. I heard the rain crashing on my armor, nulling my senses. With each tap, my instincts made me turn around.

My fallen partner. Face down. Puddles formed from the ridges of her clothing. My heart ached. What happened to her kept playing in my head over and over. Now, it felt too long ago. Seeing her like this… I didn't want to think it, but her stillness just felt unreal. Her last words echoed in my head. I wanted to turn away, but I couldn't. She deserved better. She didn't deserve to be left out like a fallen stray animal. Even with her gone, I remember her with dignity and strength. Always staying strong, despite her shortcomings; that's what I saw in her. Slowly, I approached her. It was difficult. The only thing I could take solace in was that she appeared to leave painlessly. She deserved so much better. Guilt took hold. The last thing she saw was me, gnawing at my body parts in order to bring about the pain. I made her see that. I remembered her tears. It must have tortured her. I swore at myself, morosely looking at the self-made cuts.

It didn't feel natural. My mind kept going back. It was difficult. I remembered her alive. Death. I was now victim to the permanence of it. What could I even do except cry? I was too weak to even consider living proudly in her memory. What kind of person would I be? My power brought her to this point. My power was what got us here in the first place. Me. I killed her.

I killed someone I loved.

The rain fell harder, pounding against my hunched back. I was on my knees, praying to anyone that would listen to a damned man like me. Not speaking, I clasped my hands together, ignoring the world around me. My body shook, but I couldn't tell if it was from rage or the rain. My soul felt dead. Cold. More. I deserve what I'm getting, but not her. She didn't deserve this. I begged silently. I wished silently. I yearned for another chance. I must have done something wrong for her to be punished instead of me. That was the only thing that made sense for her. I knew that it wouldn't be much. Yet, as I watched her lifeless body get rained on by the somber rainfall, I had to at least try to make up for my dreadful actions. I needed to atone for my sins, whatever amount they may be.

With a long sigh, I knelt down to her. Her body wasn't even facing the sky. Weakly, I attempted to pick her up, inserting my arms under the body's torso and thighs.

My arms went still. I felt something.

There. There it was again. A cough. My right arm felt the sensation of a twitching stomach. Time stopped. No way. How? I struggled to move my arms, but I wanted to know for certain. Doubt was cast upon me, and I needed to know. I had to. Otherwise, I could not live with myself tossing away a living soul. Carefully, I turned her body over, hoping for a sign of life.

I collapsed. Everything just came apart as I saw her eyes. Just as I turned her over, she looked to me with an unmoved expression. When she blinked, oh my lord, when she blinked, I wept openly. Something caused my body to laugh. My dry throat cracked my laughter as I heaved heavily into the ground. Arkaid was alive. She was alive! But how? What happened to her? Just what happened to her? I half expected her to sit herself up, but she remained lifelessly still. My senses were not demented; I can see that she is alive. She is blinking, looking at me with those somber eyes. She would grow uncomfortable of the rain as a drop pelted an area close to her eyes. The vapor of her warm breath reaching the cold air around us was a sign of breath! She was breathing. She was blinking. She. Was. Alive!

But why was she so still?

My relief was gone; now something was wrong with Arkaid. She was alive, but not moving. "Arkaid, what's wrong?" She looked at me, flatly closing her eyes. She wouldn't speak. No… she couldn't speak. She would tell me what happened. I knelt my head down to her chest, checking for a more precise pulse. It was slow; unrealistically slow. It was something comparable to a state of hibernation, but she was still awake. Regardless, I needed to do something. I just got her back. Somehow, some way, she was alive. I didn't want to lose her again; if she is hurting, then I need to make sure that I don't lose her again! My only chance at understanding the problem was if I could heal her, also transferring my mana to her. I felt my hands coat in the familiar blue aura. It was difficult to focus, for a monsoon of emotions kept rushing through my mind. Gently, I grasped her arm, expecting to be swallowed up by her massive magical strength.

Nothing came. Back when I first felt her mana, I remembered being completely overwhelmed. The amount of mana she had was that of an ocean, and I nearly drowned from it. I sensed nothing. Nothing was left. She felt empty. The fact took hold of me; I needed to give her what I could. Her training brought me to this point. Using the mana transfer technique was the only way. With a strong push, I sent the stream of energy into her. My breathing intensified, for I could feel my strength sap away. Regardless of what I hoped, nothing changed. The ocean wasn't there. Instead, what entered was the equivalent of a few puddles. My inexperience is costing me, and I could barely give her anything.

Suddenly, something forced me out. A strong flash came across my eyes, starting me. I fell to my back, dazed from the sudden light. I wiped away at my eyes before forcing myself back to Arkaid's side. "Whatever that was," I mumbled to myself. "It's gone now. I need to keep…." Arkaid wearily looked to me. Her mouth quivered, struggling to open as a weak breath left her. Her head winced side to side. She looked away. She was the one who kicked me out.

My body felt heavier, overcome with exhaustion before tumbling to my side. I understood. She didn't want me to do this; I was exhausting myself just to give her a few drops. I cursed at my weakness. My fist slammed against the dirt. Mud soaked my hand, coating it with the tainting soil. I wanted to help her, but she wouldn't let me try to give her anything anymore. "Arkaid… out of the two of us, you need to be the one up," I sighed. She couldn't respond. "I can't do this alone, but I know you can. I just need to give you some more, so please…." Even I gave in to the lie. I could feel my weak body; if I were to continue, I'd be unconscious or worse. Arkaid saw right through me. When I turned to her, I saw the rain pelting around her eyes. Her faint, defeated eyes….

"Alright," I reluctantly returned. Using the remains of my strength, I forced myself up to my feet. "It may take a while for you to get your power back, but we can't wait here," I morosely returned. I noticed that my Dark Core Deck Case was gone. I knew what my first responsibility was; find a Dark Core Deck Case and bring ourselves back to Earth. "I can't leave you here." I knelt down to Arkaid, nodding to her as she wearily looked back to me. She struggled to speak, expressing a futile squeak. "I'm going to carry you, Arkaid." I didn't want her to be surprised. I grasped under her shoulders, hoisting her up onto my back. She was lighter than I once thought. I didn't see it as a good sign though. Her clothes seemed to make up a lot of the weight, now soaked in the drenching rain. "Let's get you under some cover before I do any looking."

The hallway was about forty feet away. My heavy legs managed to bring us that far, soon allowing me to carefully put her down. I laid her against the wall, sitting her up. "Is this alright?" I asked. It was becoming insane of me to ask her such questions given her state. Because of her weakening state, I needed to devise a better way for us to communicate. "… Look up and down if you're good, side to side if you're not." I didn't expect Arkaid to have a difficult time with this new procedure. She looked up, then down, giving me my answer. "Good. I'm sorry for leaving so quickly, but I need to look through this place for supplies."

Whatever happened in this castle did not limit the damage to the grand room. Hallway after hallway, I saw the bodies of small humanoid creatures. Furred, Scaled; these creatures were the retainers I saw upon my entrance. However, they were much smaller than beings such as Sinblade. They lacked real strength, relying on dragons such as Sinblade and Fernyiges to carry out their offensive assaults. They were just as lifeless as Arkaid once appeared. I turned some over, seeing the death in their eyes. Fortunately, as I continued my search, some of these creatures carried weaponry.

One carried a particularly small staff. I figured that any catalyst for easier spellcasting would be good for Arkaid, so I snatched it. It was kept in a small holder, confusing me. The staff was held like a sword the way this sheath was designed. I figured that this fallen retainer must have been some sort of carrier, or an individual that carried many goods for others. One would need a convenient way to bring their staff around. Even in death, I greatly appreciated this retainer's logical thinking. Another beast had a sheathed sword, but it was one I never trained with. It appeared to be long, but it wasn't that thin like a rapier. Based on its slightly curved design and hilt, I recognized it as a katana. The curve was a very slight one, going outward as the weapon appeared larger. It was a blood color, in the arms of a skeletal dragon demon of sorts. The beast must have original resided in Katana World. Slowly, I picked up the blade, gazing at the illuminating glow.

This still wasn't enough. With both weapons sheathed at my side, I rushed through the abandoned castle. Door after Door, I peered into compartments and rooms nearly hidden away. Nothing. Only bodies. This castle was completely destroyed. With each step I felt the puddles splashing off of me. The crimson liquid of fallen foes blended with it as I passed. My eyes refused to look away; I kept moving forward.

There was no sign of a Dark Core Deck Case. It didn't make sense to me. None, in this domain? After what felt like an eternity of searching, I came across the final room I didn't check. It was the dungeon. I looked around, rushing through the hallway as I stormed by each of the cells. Hoping that there was an extra room somewhere, I kept moving forward until I reached the end. There was nothing. "Y-You're kidding me!" That was our only chance. We needed that to get home. Arkaid is too exhausted to warp us back, so it was up to me. There was nothing. We needed it. I didn't want to use that power, but we NEEDED it! "FUCK!" I couldn't return to Arkaid without it, but a sword and a small staff were all I could find. There wasn't even a sign of extra food; whatever I could find was ruined due to the fallen stone and harsh rainfall. We were left with nothing, stranded in a wastelandish hell of a world!

But that's when I saw it...

At the corner of my eye, I saw a small gleam in the distance. The room was dark, but I was able to recognize the familiar rectangular shape of the object. The metallic gleam of it made my heart skip. It was like my heart began to soar through the heavenly skies above as my eyes locked onto the Deck Box. I almost cried I was so happy! I rushed over to the Deck Case, frantically brushing and reaching for it as my heart raced from the pure heavenly bliss. And then, just as I was about to reach true sanctuary, something struck me down. A tormenting thunderbolt struck at me, leaving me to spiral downward into the hellish crust below. That was what happened to my heart, for I then realized the absolute worst thing that could have occurred; it was a sick joke!

It was a regular Core Deck Case.

My mind went blank. The universe was probably laughing at me right now, rolling on its back as I lost my only true way back home. There was nothing for me but a regular Core Deck Case. Why... why was one here? Out of anything in the world, a regular Dark Core Deck Case?! I almost went frantically unstable as my eyes darted around the room, trying desperately to make sense of my surroundings. It was then that I began to piece together something horrible. There was a bed right beside me, torn into rubble by stone tumbling onto it from above. I looked at the Core Deck Case once again, soon noticing that there was an assortment of buddyfight cards in it. Why would anyone leave such a thing behind?

The buddyfight cards were of Magic World.

Alvis left his Core Deck Case here...

I looked through the deck again, feeling pained as I noticed regular paper copies of Sitri's card. The familiar face wasn't even enough to make me smile. Despite everything, I was left with little to no options. Knowing of their broken partnership, I set the cards aside. It must have been out of spite that I pocketed Alvis's Core Deck Case. Dark thoughts were already running through my head, so taking it wasn't far off from my mind. I was growing more anxious. The absolute last idea I thought we should have was the only one that I could think of; we needed to set out.

I rushed back to Arkaid, but she could see the defeat in my eyes. With a somber look, I returned to her side, sitting myself down beside her. Gently, I placed the small staff in her lap, also showing her my sword. "Out of everything, these were the only good things. I only found death everywhere else; fallen retainers. There isn't even a spare Dark Core Deck Case." She weakly whimpered, quietly staring back at me. Her eyes went back and forth. No? "What do you mean?" I asked. "Look, for right now, our only option is to head out; we can't stay here." She kept making moving her eyes back and forth. What was she saying to me? Her whimpers grew louder, but only barely. She barely had the strength to even do just that. Her eyes began to water. "Arkaid, slow down, please!" She slowly quelled her sudden outburst. Her eyes stopped watering, but I could hear her rapid breathing reaching a soft halt. "I'm going to get us out of here. That's the only plan I have." Her eyes drifted back and forth. She tightly shut them, feebly shutting me out. "Arkaid, I don't know what else to do. I can't just go out and search for-" What I saw made my heart become fragile, shattering from her sudden movement. She had raised and lowered her eyes.

"… You want me… to leave you?"

She diverted her eyes, refusing to look at me. I couldn't have that. I went over to where she peered over, only for her to shut her eyes. Her eyelids shook as tears forced their way from her eyes. She felt that me leaving her here would support my survival; that's how I saw her sacrifice. I would only be holding you back, she must have thought. I couldn't help but believe that's what was going through her mind because… that's the sort of person she was. She put me over her, and every step of the way she made sure that she had my back. But now, as I watched her hide her eyes from the truth, I knew that this took a lot of thought to decide. As she said, she was my shield, and she finds no use in a broken shield…

But that was something I denied. Even now, she is the Arkaid that held so close in the short time we've been together. She always put my life at first, so there's no way I was going to be selfish. "No... I can't do that to you..." I grasped her, soon hearing her struggling whimpers. Her frantic eyes darted around her until I settled her on my back. Despite her motionless state, I could feel her body twitching and struggling to move. She wanted me to let her go, to leave her behind. "I'm not leaving you, Arkaid!" That only made her struggle to squeal even more. I felt her tears graze my neck as she cried. Her shoulders slightly twitched with each hopeless heave. "Arkaid, you know you'd do the same." She weakly gasped. Her widened, azure eyes gazed back to mine. Our eyes couldn't look away from each others. Her tears continued to fall. "For now, let me help you. After everything you've done for me, it's the least I can do."

With my sword small staff sheathed, it was finally time to begin our trek. Although my hopes weren't good, I prayed that we could find our way home.