(POV: Arkaid - First)

*November 10th, 2030*

What have I done for you, CJ?

We have only known each other for a short time. In that time, one of our first moments in combat had me ignorant to your needs. I must ask you that question. When the first time we fought in combat I brought you into a terrible situation. I must ask you that question. When I ran away from you, taking my emotions as a priority over yours, thinking of myself as a failure even though you thought of me as so much more, I must ask that question. As you now hold me tightly, cradling me on your back like some vulnerable infant. As you must attend to every single one of my needs, no matter how nauseating and embarrassing, I must ask you that question.

What have I done for you, CJ?

What is worse is that I cannot argue with you. My body refuses to give me the given ability to speak. I am now worth as much as those skeletons I see in the distance, or the ones we walked past. I might as well be dead. All I can understand is that you are working harder to keep me alive, to keep me functioning. As you carry me across these empty wastelands, you slowly give me whatever mana you can spend without tiring yourself out. You can only give me so little, blaming your inexperience. You cursing at your lack of expertise hurt me, CJ; it only shows that I should have trained you even more.

I can't even laugh at myself right now; my body forbids it. There is something morbidly humorous about having so much to say but not being able to say it. I wanted to tell you so much. Maybe, if we can get off of this horrible world, we can finally rest. I want you to rest more than anything. Protest all you like, but I will never let you go this far for me ever again. The only reason why you're able to do so now is due to how weak I truly am. Whatever Gale did, he nearly took everything. He pulled my mana, my life-force, relentlessly and appeared to leave me for dead. I am worth less than a dead creature; I give people hope while barely alive, forcing them to risk their lives for the small chance I can become strong once again.

But, for now, I can only rely on your precious warmth. As the rain falls against our backs, with my robes wrapped around us to shield us from the cold, the only thing left is what you naturally provide. Your body heat is natural, but there's something about yours specifically. Your body heat resonates with who you are. Many times, I feel that your feelings come off naturally. You naturally want to keep others happy, and you value that like treasure. I understand it well; after living a life around people that make you want to run away from the world, the last thing you would want to do is make others feel that way. That isn't something automatic; one does not necessarily need to go through hell to know heaven. It is like you said; you don't need to understand what Melanie and Rikka went through to know how they feel…. Though, you know how I feel… that is why you refuse to let me go despite my incessant whimpers.

I can feel your shaking legs as you walk. Please, don't give me anymore mana. You're slowly killing yourself at this rate. You ignore my whimpers until you feel the hit of your exhaustion. You try to hide your buckling feet, your hunched back; you try to ignore the pain. You know how I feel about your pain. That only makes me feel worse. I'm too tired to cry at this point. Why must you put yourself through so much pain just for me? I shouldn't have confessed to you. I should have never confessed to you.

No… I can't be thinking that. I've been pure ever since maturity over 380 years ago, always timid and reserved around the idea of being in such a relationship. The weight of my past holds me down, so I initially believed that no one would wish to partner with me. My traits are not beneficial for a good bloodline, either. Even so, you carry my weight. With that, you carry the weight on my shoulders, as well as your own. You struggle. You pant. You heave. You fight against the storm. You are losing, but you keep going. With every stumble, you manage to get back up. I don't care if it is barely; you need to be able to rise again. No matter what, CJ, do not lose.

I cannot help but yearn for the conversation we'll have once all of this is over.

You have walked far, but I doubt this will be over anytime soon. Even now, I can hear the sounds of rattling bones approaching us. Another horrible fate, fallen upon us because of my useless body. They surround us, and you yell. You scream for them, fighting back at them as the souls of the dead fight for bodies to inhabit once more. You hold on to me tightly and, with the smallest ounce of my strength, I try to alleviate whatever amount of strength you're wasting on me. I try to grasp your shoulders. I try to keep my legs tight around your waist. My body refuses to respond to my wants, no, my needs. I need to help you. I need to protect you.

Your voice is weak. Your panting frightens my soul. The skeletons appear to be closing in. They gaze at us with their soulless eye sockets in their blackened, moldy skulls. Even then, you look back at them with a cold face. "Stay away from us!" You cry out. You fight back with everything you can. As you're fighting, I cannot help but marvel at how far you've come. Your fire, your magic, your abilities with the sword; I am so fortunate to have brought you as far as you are now. Even so, I pray that you'll have the strength the press on.

I'm slipping, but I cannot tell you that. You don't even need me to, do you? Even when the enemy is facing you head on, you readjust my position. You fool. You utter fool. I say this, laughing at myself. With everything happening around you, how in the world can you still bother to think about me? It's absurd. My family barely acknowledged me. They left me on my own the first chance they got. Master Benetnasche taking me in as a disciple was the best thing to happen to me. I am now like I was back then, yet you fight for my safety. You have every excuse to run and leave me for dead, but you don't. I can't even call these excuses 'excuses,' to me, they are justifiable reasons as to why you should run. There is no reason to worry about leaving dead weight behind. Even so, you keep fighting.

As the fighting draws to an end, I can't stop thinking about how tired you must be. It's like I can feel each of your muscles and bones weakening from exhaustion with each effort you take. I wish I could help you in some way. Any way. However… I know that, even after this, you're going to keep giving me your mana. You're going to avoid rest. I'll force you out the one way I can. I will not tolerate you harming yourself for me.

The enemies have ceased, and you keep walking. You can do everything, yet I can only hope for your well being. That's all I can do, and I hate myself for it.

(POV: Third)

Tremors warned all bystanders to keep themselves miles away. A war between two deities was going to scar the very land. Azi Dahaka had the energy to keep fighting against the traitorous disciple. Zahhak refused to stay down. The two behemoths performed their treacherous dance, flying around each other before colliding at high speeds. Each thud, each impact could be heard by all who dared to come near. Some ignorant souls dared to view the spectacle from before. A battle on this scale could only equate to the war of Heaven and Hell. There was no heaven; Zahhak merely attempted to fight back against an evil greater than him.

With gusting winds coming from each flap of their gigantic wings, the two beasts soared across the mortal landscape. Sparks seared their mouths as they released intense rays of blinding fires. Such attacks could only be described as such, for their breath was not that of fire. Whatever powers these beings were fighting with, they carried the attributes of weapons from the future. The laser-like breath would fire out, scarring the crust beneath them. Zahhak would sweep away, avoiding such a tremendously brutal attack.

Such a fight had carried from the previous day. Neither side showed signs of rest, which eerily worried the Black Sun Dragon. He turned, revealing his vulnerable chest as a declaration of a short ceasefire. Zahhak obliged, facing the deity before him. They stood hundreds of yards apart, yet their roars to each other echoed across the wasteland around them. Dahaka growled back, impressed by such strength, but also infuriated at such a betrayal. "You are like that of a whelp. For such a new being to betray someone of their own kind; you must have truly lost your mind."

Zahhak roared back, unleashing every last bit of air from his lungs. The vocal assault even left Dahaka bewildered, faltering at the sheer amount of contempt that this newborn tyrant developed in such a short time. "You…." Finally, Zahhak began to speak. His voice was that of his old self, but warped. The conniving nature of Dahaka appeared to taint the man's once beautiful voice. "You…. I will never follow you."

"So you can speak now," Dahaka mused in intrigue. "You are not completely gone, Zahhak. Or, rather, would you prefer Alvis?"

"I refuse to go by that name, but I just as much despise the name you've given me!"

"You have the mind of a child. Truly, it was better off for you to receive my gift to you."

"Your gift turned me into a beast beyond good and evil!" Zahhak exclaimed. "I… I love it! But I refuse to follow you! For you to be so weak compared to me… it shows just how much you've lost track of the Disaster Force."

"You arrogant whelp," Dahaka scowled. "How shall you truly reach perfection without my guidance? Without the aid from one such as I, you are merely a newborn, thrust into the world of death and destruction." Zahhak paid no mind to such an insult. A few moments passed. The silence ended with Zahhak silently chuckling to himself, befuddling the old deity. "What amuses you, arrogant whelp?"

"The truth does," Zahhak growled. "Out of the two of us, only you appear to be the arrogant one. You are ignorant of the truth behind this battle. Despite your efforts to fight me off, I still stand here, fighting on your level." Dahaka gritted his teeth, watching as the demonic dragon before him began to motion closer. "You… you knew this could happen, didn't you? You wanted a disciple. You wanted a way to gain the same strength as the Cavalry and Purgatory Knights. You knew the risk, but your blind search for power made you give me too much. You gave me just the right amount of power necessary to make mine go over yours!"

"You speak too much, whelp! It is time you learned your place! As a disciple, you shall remain under me!"

"Fade away into nothingness! I shall steal your throne and make it my own! I shall become the new Black Sun Dragon of Destruction!"

(POV: Third)

With conflict on the horizon, it was time to organize the troops. Message spread to all of the Purgatory Knights stationed at every town and village. In addition, the call to arms was sent to those guarding the worldly gates whose purpose was to keep the Darkness Dragon World creatures from invading other worlds. Millenniums have passed, yet the Purgatory Knights still hold this responsibility that not many others could achieve. Even with such a responsibility on their shoulders, they needed to see if they could spare any troops. Any amount would be fine, but Demios feared if things were becoming too unstable for a unified assault.

He sat with the few soldiers within the small town, discussing the matter with them. "We sent the messenger, but it will take some time before enough word spreads," he began. Reflecting on yesterday's decision, it was becoming a primary point of discussion to evaluate the amount of time it would take for an army to assemble. Liam remained at his side, loyal to his comrade. Not only that, but he saw those dragons as their main obstacle to finding Arkaid and CJ. With those two tyrants terrorizing the skies, navigating the lands would become increasingly difficult. "How much time it would take depends on how many stops he should take. I know you all find North to be good enough, but is there any profitable way to send someone somewhat South?"

One soldier shook his head, soon letting off a long sigh. "Unfortunately, things have been in a state of unrest in that territory, according to what I've heard. The Black Dragons are dealing with their own squabbles and they cannot spare anyone, and the Purgatory Knights down there are assisting."

"Two problems are worse than one, I suppose." Demios looked to one of the other few soldiers. "Any word from Telanee in the East?"

"Aside from a few survivors, we are beginning to have some troops come from there," the other returned. "Some have stayed behind to help more evacuate. The two beasts did quite a number there."

"So our forces are helping civilians or being spread a bit too far apart," Demios returned with a low sigh. "The news yesterday didn't exactly help us either."

"My apologies, Lord Demios."

"It's nothing that you could've controlled; you've done well to get here." Demios turned his eyes over, noticing the pattering of incoming footsteps. The Cavalry Dragons approached with their human partners. Tasuku and Jackknife emerged by their side to the dismay of the Purgatory Knights present. Liam took a stand, glaring at Tasuku in the eye. The leader of the Purgatory Knights shook his head before standing before the Cavalry. He saw the looks they carried. He saw the determination in their eyes. "You all wish to leave?"

Alliot gritted his teeth, yet he reluctantly hid his anger. "You lot have been here for too long. I can't just stay here while Arkaid and CJ are still out there."

"An admirable resolve. However, it is foolish to go out at this time. What you'd be doing is suicide, and you lack the undying curse."

"Like I'd want anything to do with that."

"So be it," Demios lowly cursed. "I'm not responsible for cleaning up what's left of you."

Rikka rolled her eyes, crossing her arms at such an indignant remark. She noticed Melanie's quivering legs. She hated Demios's blunt honesty. "We appreciate it," she replied sarcastically. Doble angrily huffed next to her, staring down the disapproving leader. "Still, you look like you have things under control here."

"Speak for yourself," Demios coldly spoke up. "With our forces spread thin, it will be difficult to organize a huge assault at those two dragons. For right now, our only option is to wait it out and hope that one kills the other." Demios curled his right hand into a fist. He stared deeply at it, imagining a familiar face as he crushed it beneath his intense fingers. "I'd rather see Azi win, just so I can strike him down where it hurts."

Mizaru nodded. "We'll leave you to it then, but we must search for our own."

"And Tasuku?" Demios asked curiously. "Is there a specific reason for him joining you?"

"Actually, that is something that I must address to you," Mizaru returned, soon stepping in front of Melanie. She looked, watching as Mizaru readied himself for some sort of aggressive assault. "We'll be going off on our own. Tasuku and Jackknife shall be staying with you."

"Mizaru, as the eldest of the Cavalry, I didn't take you as one for jokes."

"I'm not speaking unfaithfully," Mizaru returned. Tasuku and Jackknife looked forward. The two of them stared, appearing rather cautious. However, they glared back with intimidating eyes. "Tasuku and Jackknife have informed us that they have business with you. Because of this, I left the duty in his hands. If you have any troubles, consult with them."

Suddenly, Liam took charge. "This is bullshit, like." The man engaged with Tasuku, standing firm in front of the prodigy. Liam towered over the Buddy Police boy wonder. "You want to fight with us?"

Tasuku nodded strongly. "My duty as a Buddy Police officer is to protect others," he began, soon turning to his buddy. Jackknife looked back to him. "The Cavalry Dragons will take care of finding CJ and Arkaid. Jack and I will assist whenever possible."

"It doesn't work like that," Liam argued. "It never, ever works like that."

One of the other Purgatory Knights stepped forward. "I'm with him. You really think you can just waltz back in after ditching our boss?"

The other nodded in agreement. "Understanding his position, I do not find any reason as to why we should trust you."

Jack growled back. "Your arrogance and pride know no bounds, Purgatory Knights!"

Liam didn't want any of this crap. He stood in front of his comrades, staring back at the two who dared to refute him. "This isn't arrogance. This is what happens when you betray the Purgatory Knights! When you left him for Jack!"

"What are you blabbering about, child?"

A ferocious growl emanated from behind the group. The Purgatory Knights took no caution, but the others winced from the intimidating roar. Demios stepped forward, standing beside his buddy with his arms crossed. "Don't speak like that to my buddy, and he has lived longer than your child wonder." He gazed upon his allies, soon noticing Liam's sudden surge of confidence. Something about it made Demios grin slightly. He closed his eyes, chuckling to himself. "As my colleagues stated, Tasuku made an oath to serve faithfully with the Purgatory Knights. However, he betrayed my trust, leaving me for you."

Tasuku gasped. Regaining his composure, he stepped back into action. "You're still thinking about that?"

Demios's buddy sighed. "You don't get it, do ye? You and Jackknife must value yeer buddy contract, has anyone considered what Demios feels?" His anger spiked. "Even when I first met you two, you had the worst knowledge of him. You took him as a villain despite the Purgatory Knights protecting Dragon World, cursing themselves just to maintain such a force!" His voice started to become like that of a hard roar. "In all my time of being around all of ye, I've heard nothing but hate! You hate us, just because we used the curse! But we needed to do that just to survive!" Mizaru was about to open his mouth, but Liam silenced him. "And I don't want to hear any bullshit about how just using the curse is bad. Religious people think mortals using magic is bad. That means all of you are going to hell according to them, you degenerates!"

Doble flared up. "Who are you calling degenerates?! You all are nothing but zombies at this point. If anyone is a degenerate it's you!"

"Well I'd rather be a dumb zombie than give up on a buddy," Liam returned angrily. "Which is exactly what Tasuku did!" The Purgatory Knights guards appeared to revel in their ally's stance. Liam, speaking against the Buddy Police wonder, shook them into action. They bellowed with a prideful roar, shaking the air around them. "This is exactly the same as when we fought. You see nothing but the worst in us, but what did TASUKU do? He ditched Demios just to return to Jackknife!" The Knights roared again, yelling a powerful YEAH every time Liam spoke. "He left our leader in the dust!"

"YEAH!"

"He broke his contract!"

"YEAH!"

"He betrayed him!"

"YEAH!"

"HE BETRAYED US!"

"YEAH!"

"And now he thinks he has the right to talk down to us! The nerve of him!"

"YEAH!"

There was something new forming within Liam's soul. Demios could sense it too, watching as the Purgatory Knights belittled the wonder boy. Jackknife was reduced to a loyal dog as he stepped towards Tasuku, expecting an attack. But there was no need to kick someone when they were down. Liam felt it; confidence surged through him as his allies pumped him up with their camaraderie. The Cavalry members just stood there, watching the display before them with befuddled looks. They couldn't believe what they were seeing. Weakly, Mizaru and Alliot looked away, leaving Doble to angrily stare at his weakness.

Demios chuckled at the display, but that was enough. "At ease, my brothers," he commanded proudly. His soldiers fell quiet as he stood proudly alongside his buddy. "Now you see it, Tasuku, Jack." Tasuku winced back with faltering eyes. His courage held him in place, but he felt his confidence wane. "Now you see how I was able to evolve, to become stronger. My buddy inspired me to pursue new feats of strength. It was because you left me that I was able to meet such a buddy, so I am split between thanking you or cursing you." He pondered for a moment, soon smirking with pride. "Since I am in a rather good mood, especially after what my brethren just displayed, you may stay with us if you like, but don't expect any extra treatment. If you wish to stay, stay over there and keep out of our way."