Chapter Thirty-Six

Ghosts

A large, red Dragon loomed over me. Its blood-red glow washed over Rain's stage, where I stood with arms crossed. I was hoping to visit her today, but she was absent. I said, "Hello."

…Hello.

"…Any reason for the honor of your presence?"

You cannot leave.

I thinned my eyes. "And what is the reason for that? What is she doing?"

New Domino City is currently under a massive, chaotic attack by thousands of robots. Everyone outside is in danger, as would you be if you were to join them.

"So. You don't want me to try to protect her."

I am afraid it would only make things worse.

"Why should I believe that?"

I do not lie, Kalin Kessler.

I set my fist on my hip, closed my eyes, and looked down. "You know… I've seen Rain's memories. You've lied to her."

While it may seem so, I did not speak lies. I did withhold the truth about you.

"That I don't blame you for," I said, holding my other hand in front of my face, "but that's still technically lying, isn't it?"

If you believe it to be so. Even if you try to leave, I would stop you.

"You should really know by now that wouldn't keep me from trying." He bared his fangs. "That is, it used to wouldn't keep me here. You're right, Dragon. If I went out there now, I don't doubt that I would be hurt… and that would hurt her. I'd say there's no need to babysit me, but I doubt you would believe me."

He lowered his head and stared at me with one bright yellow eye. I misjudged you.

"No… you didn't. You have every right to judge me as your enemy who caused you pain."

You eased my young Signer's heart. I felt that, Kessler.

My eyes widened and my hand dropped to my side. "You know about that?"

Indeed. Young Luna was torn apart by Rain's sadness, but you stole that away. Then you saved her life. I see it all, Kalin Kessler. You went against my command in order to aid a young girl you hardly know. You continue to impress me.

"Tch! I'm not trying to impress you. Keep your focus on that vessel of yours, would you?"

He raised his large head towards the cloudy sky. The Crimson Dragon loosed a high-pitched whine I'd never heard from him. Young dragon! What is this- this pain? What has happened to our threads?

"…Care to explain?"

She is in need. Find us at the place you saved her life in your darkest days.

The Crimson Dragon scattered into a red glow that sparkled into the storm. I sighed. Why the hell did he have to tell me in a riddle? Dumb Dragon, thinking he had to corral me. I didn't care if he was impressed. He said it like it meant something. Was he forgetting I was his mortal enemy? Was he forgetting that the little girl was afraid of me? All of them were. All of them still should be…

…Forget him. He said Rain was at… what did he mean? The crater? The other place I saved her life while I was a Dark Signer could be the Arcadia Movement rubble. Which one? Goddamn Dragon. Why didn't he just tell me?

I frowned and walked to where I'd parked my runner outside. "You've made some interesting friends, princess."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/

A vast, red glow fell upon the wreckage of the Arcadia Movement Building. The Crimson Dragon crawled among the debris. I was sitting on my knees in front of the chunk of rock I'd been crushed by months earlier. The wind raised chillbumps on my skin; I'd left my coat on the seat of my runner.

Young dragon? he asked. His voice carried the wavering of concern. What has happened? Your threads with Yusei Fudo, Jack Atlas, Crow Hogan, and Akiza Izinski have broken. Your despair pulses like a black heart.

A storm breeze blew through the ruins. The cream fur collar of my Team Satisfaction vest tickled my cheek. My loose, black locks tossed to the side. My braid had broken, and I hadn't bothered to repair it.

"I am a mistake."

The Crimson Dragon merged with me. The crimson spark pumped from my heart in an attempt to sooth me. I muttered, "Thank you, but I… I don't deserve your help or to be a part of you."

Why would you say that, young dragon? I believe you to be a hero.

I swallowed hard. "I'm the furthest from a hero."

Please, Rain. From where does this dark feeling originate?

"You don't get it," I said. "I'm not the vessel you should have. I'm- I'm closer to a real Dark Signer. I mean… When I was speaking to Primo, I sounded just like… he… did…"

He who?

"He… he…"

"Are you talking about little old me?"

"Kalin?" I faced the voice and froze. Horror paralyzed me. Standing across from me was… my partner as a Dark Signer, black eyes and red criminal mark. My legs gave out and my heart fell with me. He was grinning, but it was so dark. I whimpered, "Wh- wh-"

He closed the distance between us. I scrambled back and flattened against the block of concrete that had almost killed me. He dropped to a knee in front of me and I couldn't look away from those eyes. For the longest time he scanned my face. "Oh, Rain…"

The way he said my name sent chills down my spine. My lungs shrank. He said, "You realize what's happening, don't you? You're becoming me. Your abandonment and lust for vengeance is tearing your heart to shreds. You know it, too. Everyone has left you behind, forgotten about you, and left you to die. Do you know what your 'friends' are saying right now? 'That monster is our enemy.' They're right, you know."

"I'm a… monster..?"

"I didn't want to believe it, but…" He sighed. "Rain. You lied to me, you ran away from me, and you made me afraid of you. You broke all of our promises. Do you know how much that hurts? No. You don't care. I thought we were supposed to be partners. You've betrayed me like everyone else, Rain. I know you. You're a monster."

"N-no, I…" I shut my eyes. "Y-you're just another vision! It must be… it must be Master sent you to test me!"

He grabbed my forearms and roughly dragged me to my feet. My heart stopped. He whispered, "I'm very real."

I tried to speak but a weak whimper broke out instead.

"You know what you have to do." His breath was hot on my ear. I was shaking all over and it wouldn't, couldn't stop. "You have to die. If you don't, with your power and temper… you'll kill us, Rain. Everyone would be better off with you dead."

He released me and I collapsed. Bruises spotted my forearms where he'd held me. I couldn't think. Internal screaming filled the silent void of my mind.

A roar pierced the emptiness. The Crimson Dragon materialized above me. He opened his maw and snapped at the Dark Signer. Violet flames flurried in the wake of his disappearance.

My shaking legs gave out. The Dragon curled around me. I fell back against his belly, and he nuzzled my cheek. Do not allow the wicked spirit to fool you, young dragon.

"W-w-what are you talking about," I said. "I should die I'll hurt them I'm not worth-"

Rain, he said, his voice like a purr. Peace be. Would your true partner ever speak injustice of you?

"My t-true- M-my…" I looked the Dragon in his eyes. "D-did you just call him my partner?"

I would not stay my tongue and see the Dark Signer punish you so, the Dragon said. I work with you, young dragon. No matter what storms we may weather, we shall always stand steady.

"D-do I look like I'm standing steady to you?"

He nudged my torso with his head as though offering it. One cannot be steady without support.

I sniffled. I wrapped my arms around his snout and cried. He remained still, his eyes closed, and let me. My thoughts rang out like a scream: I'm sorry! It was all my fault! I fell into every trap like the bad-tempered idiot I am! They know I have a dark sign, and they think I'm they're enemy. They all… all my friends hate me.

Not all, the Dragon said. I remain by your side, young dragon. Remember when you first awoke from your coma, and you mourned for your threads? They repaired all the same. This is but another trial. All can be mended.

"Th-thank you," I muttered. "Thank you, Dragon. Is there any way… D-do you think you could make me a promise?"

What of?

"Would you stay by my side," I said, "no matter what?"

A gentle rumble resounded from his body. As it was with the world's beginning, young dragon, I remain by you through stormy weather and clear skies.

I sucked in a deep, shaky breath. "I'm… I'm still proud. At the end of every day, I'm proud to be your Vessel."

I swore I could feel him smile.

"Rain!"

I let go of the Crimson Dragon, and my legs folded. It was Kalin's voice in the distance. He tore towards me and fell to his knees beside me. It was my Kalin, the one with whites of his eyes, long hair, and bright yellow criminal mark. His eyes tilted down with his concern as he looked me over. "What's wrong? You're… shaking really badly…"

Fear bit into my heart. I scurried back from him. My shoulder blades touched the Crimson Dragon's scales. He purred, Remember, young dragon.

I straightened and wrapped my arms around myself. "I'm s-sorry."

Kalin didn't move from his spot in the Arcadia rubble. "What happened? Why are you so afraid?"

"I- I saw a ghost."

The storm wind strengthened, and my grip on my own arms tightened. Kalin approached me slowly, removed his duster, and draped it over me. It was still warm. "Ghosts can't hurt you."

I held my arms out, and they trembled. He followed my gaze to the bruises and traced them, his touch gentle as the brush of a feather. His voice was pained when he whispered, "Who did this to you?"

He was so kind… How could I have been dumb enough to fall for that trick? Every trick… "I made a mistake… and I let the Dark Signer get to me."

"The spirit?" He frowned. "Rain, I'm so sorry."

I sucked in a deep, shaky breath. "My angel is here to save the day again."

"Ironically, I don't think that name has fit since I died." His smile was small. I could tell he was still worried. I pulled his coat closer around me.

"That's not the way I see it." I lowered my head. "I wanted to apologize again for lying to you and running away. I should've known better. I should've known that you would have my back no matter what."

He threw up his hands. "You've made it up to me already."

"I wish I have," I said, and tears pricked the corners of my eyes. "I- Primo set up a trap for me today, and I fell right into it."

He took my shaking hands and held them tight. "So that's what this is about. Tch… I'm guessing he was the cause of the robopocalypse."

"Y-yeah." I avoided his eyes. "When I found out he was a robot, too, I went all out on him."

"He was a robot? What the hell is going on around here? Wait. That means you didn't actually hurt him. That's… the only reason you did it, isn't it? Like… punching a wall…"

"Well, yeah, but-"

He placed his finger on my lips. "No buts. Everything's okay, Rain. No need to worry."

I bawled and buried my head in my hands. "That's not true. Primo- he showed the Signers one of my memories, where I betrayed them. Then he forced me to show them my dark sign, so they all think… I'm their greatest enemy…"

My partner scowled. "What a goddamned dirty, low-brow play. Like he'd pull anything but. That's fine. It was probably a heat of the moment reaction from them. We can explain how he's been pulling shit like this-"

"That won't work, either," I murmured. "They think I'm working with him."

"What? Why the hell would they think that?"

"B-because…" I shut my eyes tight. My muscles trembled again. Kalin interlaced his fingers with my own, but nothing could fight off the fear in my wildly beating heart. "When they were considering it, Primo told me he loved me and kissed me. I w-was so shocked I c-couldn't even speak, and that just made everything worse for me, he made everything so much worse-"

My partner's hold on me loosened. I whispered, "Are you mad at me?"

"What? At you? Of course not, Rain. It's such a fucking awful thing to pull on his part, especially since he knows-" Kalin stopped. "Did you… have a panic attack?"

"Y-yeah…" I gulped. It wasn't because of the contact. I panicked because I thought I'd killed Primo. I thought he was gone forever because of my rage, and his last action was still somehow passionate. It was, and after I'd attacked him no less. "I passed out, and when I woke up, everyone was gone. So I… came here."

He scanned me and whispered, "Are you calmed down now?"

I clasped my hands together. "Y-yeah. The Dragon helped. A lot."

"You too, huh?" he said.

"What?"

"Oh, nothin.'" He shifted so he sat next to me and slung an arm around me. His missing coat gave him a very different look. His shirt was a maroon V-neck, one I'd made for him, so without the tall collar of his duster I could see his whole neck. I lay my head against his shoulder. "What's next on the agenda?"

"I… I guess I should visit my team. The WRGP finals are next weekend. I can't let this set me back."

"It won't," he said, and his confidence lightened my heart. "You ready to leave this ghost town?"

"…Yeah." I stood steady on my feet. Kalin's coat was still over my shoulders, and I hadn't slipped my arms into the sleeves. When I moved to take it off, he stopped me.

"I have a feeling you're going to need it more."

"I, uh…" I smiled and interlaced my fingers with his. "I believe you."

We started towards the DAIMON slums. We were headed down the brick walkway when the light exploded. It consumed the City, and once it cleared, the sky was blue and there was no smoke in the distance. My partner exclaimed, "Rain!"

I glanced up at him; fear twisted his features. "Is something wrong?"

He heaved a sigh. "No. That light felt like… when I forgot you."

I thinned my eyes. "They must have done something. Look. Everything's gone, even the storm. That chaos isn't here anymore. This isn't right."

I broke into a brisk pace towards my team's garage. I pushed up the shuttered door to see Toru and Misaki sitting beside the monitor in the corner looking bored. Toru leapt up at the sight of me. "Oh! Rain! Wow, I haven't seen you since Crash Town!"

"What're you talking about?" I murmured. "We need to talk about the WRGP finals."

"WRGP? Oh, yeah," Toru said. "Mis and I wanted to enter, but we never found a third person willing to join us."

"…Nice to meet you, I guess," Misaki said.

"I've heard all about you, though!" Toru exclaimed. "You shoulda seen how hyped I was when I saw my best buddy Rain made it on the famous Team 5D's, and you guys are all the way at the finals!"

My heart sank through my stomach. "What… what are you…"

Kalin brushed past me and asked, "Could you pull up the bracket for the finals?"

Toru's eyebrows lifted. "Who are… uh, yeah, sure."

He brought it up on the monitor. In the place of Team Clear Skies was a name I'd never seen before: Team New World. The three main riders were… Lester A., Primo A., and Jakob A. On the opposite side of the bracket was Team 5D's with the listed names as Yusei F., Jack A., and Rain O.

My heart exploded. My expression was blank when I said, "I'm very sorry to have bothered you. I have to leave."

"Huh? You don't want to catch up? It's been, what, a year? It's great to see you, Rain!"

"No," I murmured. "I'm glad to see you, but I'm on a very strict schedule. I apologize. I'm so sorry, Toru, Misaki. Good-by."

Kalin closed the garage behind us. I was grateful for it, because I didn't have the energy to. Everything I did, every move I took, every draw, every attack, every win, every loss… Everything we created had been erased?

"I suppose some explanations are in order!" The young, auburn-haired boy – Lester, I recalled – appeared before us in his blue Duel Academy uniform. He said, "After our little, erhem, run-in with you and the Signers, we made the executive decision that the only true way to decide on our futures is to directly face you three chosen! Chosen being those of you who received blank cards – you, Fudo, and Atlas. Therefore, we made some minor adjustments to the past. That way, Primo's attacks on the City were undone, and we replaced your team with ours! You'll be dueling with those Signers instead."

"I don't… I can't…" I shook my head. "They don't want me on their team."

"Oh, so they were serious about all that 'hating you' spiel?" Lester giggled. "I can't believe Primo did something right for once! I know you must be so worried about your love, so I'll let you know: we're fixing him up. He'll be like new in a matter of hours!"

"Leave him as scrap," I growled. "He's ruined everything!"

Lester lifted onto his tippy-toes and whistled. "Didn't look like that between you two from where I was standing."

A blush dusted my cheeks. Maybe I didn't push him away immediately, but it was only because I was surprised. I expected him to taste like metal or oil, not anything pleasant like the cinnamon spice flavor belonging to him. I was shocked. That's all. That was it.

The Crimson Dragon growled. I cannot believe this is happening again.

What? What are you talking about?

"If you're looking for a team," Lester said, "New World has open slots! You did earn your place in the finals, after all."

"So that's it," I murmured. "Primo did this all to try to convince me to join your team. It's not happening."

"Hmmm? Oh, Primo had nothing to do with this. You did sort of break him, so he couldn't provide any input on the best course of action to take!" Lester laughed maniacally. "Actually, it was my idea to replace your team!"

"You little shit," I growled. "I'd say it's in your best interest to change it back."

His gasp was fake. "Here I thought you'd be grateful to be included on the best-known riding team in the world! Well, if you want to fill out an application for Team New World, you can go to-"

I reached for the hilt of my saber. Lester yelped and teleported away. Feeling the heat of my rage, I breathed in deep. I visited my blue crystal garden like Aki had taught me. Aki, who now thought of me as an enemy. I arose from the depths of my imagination mournful rather than calm. I hadn't remembered how to stay calm when it counted. I let Primo anger me. I failed.

"Damn," Kalin said, "their plays are getting dirtier. All that work you put in… I'm so sorry, Rain."

"I have to go see them," I said, my eyes fixed on the dirty concrete beneath my feet. "I have to visit Team 5D's."

My partner said, "Want me to go with you?"

I hugged onto his arm, muttering, "Please."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/

The Fountain Plaza was dead silent. I stopped next to the fountain, and Rain watched me toss in a coin. She said, "What was that for?"

"To make a wish," I said.

She blinked. "Um, why does giving water money help that?"

"You've never heard of-" I laughed and set a hand on her head. "Eh, it doesn't. We just like to believe it does."

"So… what was your wish?"

I snapped my fingers and quoted what she'd told me in the Facility: "To go home and live a happy life."

She flashed a grin, and I reflected it. As she led me toward the corner of the plaza, I heard the ghost of voices. Jack bellowed, "This isn't fair – no, more. This is impossible. They can't possibly- aren't there officiates who can fix this?"

Yusei spoke up next: "The officiates are the ones who pulled this. They're edging us towards creating a team with the three of us that have blank cards."

Jack scoffed. "Why would I be on a team with that lying monster? Time and time again she stabs us in the back then plays it off like she's 'helping!'"

Rain walked in. Jack, Crow, and Yusei stood beside their duel runners, which were covered by white tarps. Daylight spilled into the belowground garage through a single window. Rain stepped into the stream of light. "Is… this a bad time?"

"You got your time travel buddies to hack you onto our team," Crow said. "Newsflash: it's not happening. Our team's Yusei, Jack, and me and that's not changing! There's no way we're teaming up with a double-crossing Dark Signer!"

"Yeah," she whispered, "yeah, I figured."

"Calm down," Yusei said. "From what we know about the blanks from mine and Jack's, they're incredibly powerful. They could be useful assets to take down the Meklord Emperors, which have given us trouble thus far. We should hear Rain out. If we all can work together, we could be an unstoppable force."

Rain flinched. "You only want me… because I could be useful?"

"What, did you think we were friends?" Jack spat.

"It doesn't matter," Crow said. "She's more of a liability if we add her to the team. What'll happen – she'll throw the match for her best buddy Primo? She'll find a way to attack us with those psychic powers again? Besides, nothing's stronger than a Signer Dragon."

Yusei said, "Hold on, you two. We need to take the most logical course of action and-"

"Stop." Rain scowled. "I've heard enough. Just like before, you don't give a shit about my fate, but as soon as something greater is involved… you come running. I appreciate the honesty this time, at least."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Crow shouted. "Last I checked, we haven't run to you or needed you for anything!"

"So when I prevented your crash the other morning, that changed nothing?" Shock overcame his harsh expression. "I won't make the mistake of calling any of you 'friend' again. You're right. I'm a wicked villain, and I don't belong on your team. I don't want to be on a team with you and I don't want to save this hellhole of a City. I cast aside my duty to protect you Signers. You clearly don't need it."

She stormed out of the garage. I wanted to speak, but I could only sigh. Jack roared, "And what the hell are you doing here? Two traitors visiting in one day!"

Yusei placed a hand on his shoulder. Jack shrugged it off. I said, "You're making a bigger mistake than you think. I'll try to explain the best I can. I was told not to, but I don't see any other way to show you… you're shooting yourself in the foot here."

"Explain what?" Jack asked. "How your girlfriend is cheating on you?"

I'd never come closer to saying 'fuck it' and walking away. I was too afraid of what could happen to do that, though. At the very least, I couldn't let bathrobe guy win in any capacity.

I explained the Crimson Dragon's relationship with Rain, that her dark sign was stolen from me through his power, their loss of memory because of the Dark Signer, and what they saw from the true memory was Roman's attempt to turn her against the Signers.

I said, "And that last point is really important. Roman explained to us once why it was so important to influence the Vessel of the Crimson Dragon. He said that if the Vessel and the Signers are ever on the opposite sides of a conflict, the Signers would lose their power. What she just said can't be good for you, because duty is, like, the most important thing in the world to her. For her to throw it away… she must be in a really bad place right now."

"No way. I don't believe it," Crow said. "Rain doesn't have any markings. I've never felt connected to her in any way like I do the Signers. If she had the Dragon with her, she'd have shown us by now. That'd be, like, a get out of jail free card right now."

"Yeah, see, the Crimson Dragon's the one who told me not to try to explain any of this." And I was starting to see why.

"Like the Crimson Dragon would choose her, anyway," Jack grumbled. "She's not exactly the pinnacle of heroism."

"And you are?" I commented. He shot me a glare.

"That would explain why she has a blank card, and why Primo has targeted her since he met her," Yusei said.

Crow sighed. "I don't know about the Crimson Dragon part, but… I do feel bad. I let my anger get the better of me. I dunno, just… seeing my name wiped off the team after everything I'd done… it hurt. She helped me out, too – I don't think I'd be able to do all that riding if she hadn't."

"Don't tell me you're falling for this drivel," Jack spat. "It's obvious he's lying to us as per usual."

"…Excuse me?"

Jack clicked his tongue and rolled his shoulders. "I understand you'd like to be on the team again, but this is a weak attempt."

"Me? Jesus, you're a-" I breathed in deep and looked to the ceiling. The sky was limitless beyond the bounds of the basement. "Okay. I won't bother any longer. I guess your big red dragon really doesn't lie."

I left and no words were sent after me. Jack appeared indignant, Yusei pitiful, and Crow doubtful. I really did hope nothing else went wrong, but damn did they make it difficult.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/

The Dark Signer's seeds of doubt inflict you, the Crimson Dragon said. If you fall prey, you allow the wicked spirit victory.

…I've been curious, Dragon. Does this new threat concern you in the slightest? The world is not in immediate danger and neither are your Signers. Do you consider these three Directors your enemies?

A low growl rumbled my thoughts. My nature is that of hope, young dragon. The time travelers are beings of utter hopelessness similar to the Dark Signers, and they seek to plant their disparity wherever possible. Our Signers will inevitably be a target due to their hopeful nature… as will you. I believe the three Directors see you as a potential breeding ground for despair. I believe they seek to manipulate you. I believe it is working.

"What do you know, anyway?" I snapped.

Please, young dragon. I know it is not the best of days, but know I am on your side.

"I…" I pursed my lips. Yeah. I'm sorry.

It will turn out for the best, he assured.

I hoped he was right, but I could only hope. I straddled my runner without my helmet and sped tens of miles faster than reasonable. The hiss of the wind whipped my wild, black hair. I turn-braked at my stage too quickly and tumbled off my runner. My arms and legs sprawled out. I breathed and wondered why I did.

I clutched my partner's jacket closer around my shoulders. He was always by my side. My partner.

But not always-

I pushed to my feet and entered my stage. To question the greatest person to exist, I must've really been in a bad mood. I retrieved a new Orichalcos pendant from my boxes. Once it settled on my chest, serenity soothed me. A wave of exhaustion crashed with it.

I climbed onto my cot, curled into a ball, and used Kalin's jacket as a blanket. Thankfully, sleep soon found me. I dreamed of Vizor chasing me off Daedalus Bridge. I dreamed of Primo holding his sword to my neck and whispering his declaration of love in my ear. I dreamed of my partner. The stars sparkled in his eyes, and he took my hand and told me everything would be all right.

I awoke peacefully. It was late evening when I rolled out of my cot. I looked to the darkening sky as I thought about what to do.

"Good evenin'." Kalin sat on the edge of the stage. "When I made it back, you were already asleep, so… I let you."

"H-hi." My dream came to mind, and I saw his coat still draped over me. I blushed.

He grinned with confidence. "Hello! Sick? You look kinda feverish."

"No, not at all."

The fall winds howled outside. Crashes of construction rang throughout the Satellite. Kalin said, "Not so talkative now, huh?"

"Not exactly… I would be gearing up for the WRGP finals right now with Toru and Misaki. Instead I've… I've lost every friendship. I don't have anything left…"

Kalin hopped to his feet and walked to me with his hands behind his back. "Hey. It's the last night of the weekend, so I have to go back tonight. Could I take you to dinner first?"

My eye twitched. "Wh-what?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "I understand how you feel, but it's the way things are. You're allowed to be sad. I'm not gonna stand here and let you, though."

"What makes you think you can…" I watched him, standing there with his small smile, and I cracked one of my own. "Oh, dammit, I love you."

"You, too," he said, his grin widening. "So, uh, dinner? You should wear the coat, by the way. It looks amazing on you."

I passed the duster to him and winked. "Better on you."

He laughed and took my hand. "We have all night to argue. C'mon."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/

I folded my hands and covered my mouth. New Domino City's glow cast an array of neon colors upon my white gloves. A giggle beside me grated my nerves. Lester said, "What an interesting way to use your new body, Primo! I didn't realize you were so attached to the butler persona."

"…I would like to not be noticed yet. My plan worked perfectly."

"Even the part when she ripped you to shreds?"

"Especially that part," I said. "Now there is only one more thread to deal with."

Lester laughed. "How can you 'deal with' anything of hers? Didn't she prove how invincible she is?"

"…Yes, and that is why she will be our strongest ally," I said.

"Ally? Seems like you want her for more than an 'ally!'" Lester laughed. I remained silent. He said, "Eh? This is the part where you're supposed to get angry."

"Supposed to," I repeated. "If only everything could be foreseen."

Lester huffed and slouched in his chair. "What're you all think-y for?"

When I closed my eyes, I saw her. I heard her voice: "The scar looks nice, honestly. And the hair. Seems like you've got that whole situation figured out."

My hand glanced over my smoothed, black hair. I'd left my scar uncovered like she suggested. A spare few raven locks fell over my forehead. Supposed to. I wasn't supposed to feel so alive. I wasn't supposed to love every pump of my pulse.

But.

"There's one final issue to resolve," I said. "I let my cynicism blind me to a fact I was recently reminded of. Some bonds are strong enough to not be shaken by the most tumultuous of natural disasters."

"So, what? One measly bond is keeping her on their side?"

"You have no idea how much I long for this bond to be measly," I muttered. Across from where I sat, bright light spilled from one of the finest restaurants in New Domino. How the hell Kessler managed that was beyond me. The pair looked ridiculously out of place in there. Laughing. Laughing, as though what had occurred today was a joke. "This, however, is an unbreakable bond in darkness."

"Unbreakable!" Lester hollered. "That's so unlike you! You're always so confident in winning everything!"

"I am pragmatic," I said. "I'm saying so because attempting to break this bond would be the wrong angle to take."

Lester giggled. "So what's Primo's next big plan, hm?"

"…To target the foundation. Even the strongest-looking structures crumble if the very bases they are built upon have cracks."

Lester considered me for a moment, his green irises sparking with captured neon. "I really don't get how something 'unbreakable' could be built on cracks."

"Because that was a lie," I said. "One of many."

"You didn't become a liar, did you?" he accused.

"Oh, no. The lies aren't mine."

"Then who're you talking about?"

"Not your concern," I stated. "All you need to know is that you'll have a new ally to bother instead of me."

"What makes you so confident you can convince the all-powerful knight without getting broken to pieces again?"

My lips stretched into a smile. I should have been happy because it meant I had a path to victory. Instead it was foolishly giddy smile I should have tried to hold back. No, I couldn't because she had breathed life into me.

She'd kissed back.