Notes: This chapter is the full/expanded version of the original blurb from my short story collection. It's quite different from that original blurb and only uses a few paragraphs from it. Azalea542 had the premonition idea, which I loved. I also used inspiration from the Yugi vs. Pegasus duel, which was one of my favorite scenes in all of YGO. Also, Amber2002161 has storylines where Kalin decides to better train his Psychic powers. I'm not trying to copy her idea by having a discussion in this chapter about that. It just seemed a logical course of action for the characters to consider it. But as I go in a different direction with Kalin's powers and don't have him anywhere as powerful overall, I highly doubt I'll actually have him really go through any kind of training.

Chapter Twelve

Scotch was in the process of feeling across another section of wall in the old church when a cold arrow stabbed into his heart. He flinched, bringing a hand to it as he fell back. "Did you feel that?" he gasped.

Biff looked over, shaken. "Yeah, I do."

"It feels like . . . like something horrible happened," Clint said.

Scotch turned back to the wall, panicking now. "We've gotta get out of here!" He all but slammed his palms into the stones, desperate for the exit.

Biff ran over, gripping Scotch's shoulders from behind. "Hey, hurting yourself isn't gonna help," he scolded. "We've gotta stay calm . . . somehow. . . ." And considering they were surrounded by ghosts, that was hardly an easy thing for him to say or do.

Scotch slumped against the wall, choking on a sob. "Radley . . . he's hurt . . . or worse. . . . I know it's him. . . ."

"And Kalin went berserk," Clint grimly added. "There's nothing we can even do from in here."

". . . We can pray," Biff offered. "Pray, and try to send our strength to them."

Scotch drew a shaking breath. "Okay. . . ."

The trio came together, each offering a heartfelt prayer as they laid their hands on each other's and silently willed for their feelings to be sent.

If anything can be done, and if we can help, please. . . . Please. . . .

The cold feeling didn't abate, but they kept trying. They weren't going to stop unless they had to, or unless they learned that it was okay.

xxxx

In the tunnel, Billy also stumbled to a halt. "Radley!" The feeling was horrible, icy cold, and unmistakable. It felt like a cruel vise had taken hold of his heart, and it was definitely about their precious leader. He was gone.

Marty fell back against the stone wall, sheet-white. "They got him. . . ." He sank to his knees. "And it's all because of me . . . !"

"What are you talking about?!" Virgil snorted, unable to hide the thickness in his voice. "It's because they're crumbs!"

"They want the castle," Marty said morosely. "And I have the castle. Targeting Radley must be their way of getting at me or something."

"Well, I won't believe he's gone!" Jimmy insisted. "We couldn't do anything to help when Lawton took over. This time we're all going to help!"

Billy frowned. "What do you think we can even do? We don't know what happened!"

"We can get out of here and see what happened and make sure the bad guys don't get away," Jimmy said. "We don't have to cower or join them like we did with Lawton!"

Marty clenched a fist. "How could we have done that, anyway?" he berated. "Why didn't we stand by Radley?" It still haunted him, as it did all of them. None of them had handled that situation right.

"When he was beaten, we lost all our hope," Billy said. "It makes sense, but we were stupid. Especially me." He hesitated, then gripped Marty's shoulders and tried to pull him up. "Come on. Jimmy's right! We have to do something this time!"

Marty stumbled to his feet. "I don't know what," he said sadly. "We all feel it—Radley's dead. And this tunnel goes on forever. We won't find the way out in time to do anything."

"Then we'll do something right here," Jimmy said. "We'll pray."

"Pray?!" Virgil scoffed.

Jimmy sighed. "That's all we can do right now. And keep trying to get out. Come on, Virgil . . . guys. . . . We can't get to Radley and Kalin, so we have to pray that God will send them some help until we can find them."

Marty considered that. "They've had divine help before," he conceded.

"Exactly!" Jimmy said.

Billy sighed. "I don't know that God would want to hear from me, but if there's any chance it could help, I'm in."

Marty frowned at him. "Why wouldn't God want to hear from you? Because you screwed up in the past? We all screwed up in Crash Town. Radley forgave all of us and he's the one we directly hurt. If he can forgive us, God must be able to also."

Billy blinked in surprise. "I guess. . . . But . . . I thought you didn't trust me anymore. . . ."

Marty sighed in resignation. "I didn't really think you were the one who attacked me. Not after everyone said there was another guy. But seeing you has been making me remember when you really did betray me, and that's hurt so much. All the pain came back when that fake you chloroformed me. But . . . that's not fair, is it? I mean, yeah, we all messed up. If Radley can welcome all of us back, I should be able to do the same for you. I want to. And . . . if Radley's . . . gone now . . . there's no guarantee any of us will make it out of this. I want to set things right with you."

A huge lump formed in Billy's throat. "Marty . . ." He fell into his friend's arms and hugged him close. "I'm so sorry for what I did. . . ."

"I know," Marty said. "I'm sorry too. I wasn't blameless. And I'm sorry I've been hurting you here." He returned the hug. It felt so good, so healing. He pulled back after a moment. "Let's pray for Radley and Kalin, like Jimmy said."

Billy nodded. "Okay."

Virgil sighed but nodded too. "I'm in."

All four clasped hands and began to pray.

xxxx

Waking up was a strange and unwelcome experience. Kalin's head was throbbing. He grimaced. Knocked out twice in two days . . . that wasn't a good record. And what had happened right before he had been knocked out? In fact, why was he knocked out?

He shifted position on the stone floor and froze, his blood running chill. The weight in his arms and against his chest was bringing it all back to him. His eyes flew open. "Radley?!"

Maybe it wasn't real. Maybe it was a nightmare he'd been having while knocked out. The fairy's warning was the sort of thing he already had nightmares about.

But . . .

Radley was laying cradled against his chest, his eyes closed, his hair covering most of his face. Blood was everywhere. As Kalin shot upright in horror, the sword was still all too visible in Radley's poor body.

Kalin choked on a scream. With a shaking hand he reached out, pressing his fingers to Radley's neck. There was nothing. But he already knew there wouldn't be.

Gently he laid Radley down on his side, his hands trembling as he grasped the hilt and pulled the sword out of his lifeless body. The room was spinning now. He threw the cursed thing aside, letting it clatter to the floor behind him. Radley was dead; there was no point in worrying about the adage of not removing a weapon from pierced flesh. Kalin couldn't stand to see him like that.

"Radley . . ." He gathered the body in his arms again, cradling him close. "This is another nightmare," he whispered. "It has to be. . . ." He shut his eyes tightly. "So why can't I wake up?!" He laid a hand in Radley's hair, sweeping it away from his face. "Wake up . . . wake up!" He was no longer sure if he was talking to himself or Radley. Either way, it was a fruitless command. He sobbed, rocking forward as he clutched the body to his heart.

"I can't lose you," he said. "I can't. You came back before, and I woke up from the nightmares before. . . . Why can't I wake up from this one?!"

And why had his powers been so useless? They were strong enough to break the protection amulet the fake Jarvis had used against them, but they hadn't activated to that extent until Radley was dead. What was even the point of them then?! Kalin didn't want to use them just to take vengeance and justice after it was too late; he wanted to use them to stop horrible things from happening at all!

"It's a curse," he whispered bitterly. "It would be too easy for me to have something that could be used for good. I already knew what I could do could only lead to destruction and death. But I never thought . . . I never dreamed it would lead to your death! Radley, please . . . !"

Radley's expression of pain and horror was still burned into Kalin's mind. He hadn't wanted to die, for Kalin's sake as much or more than his own. But that hadn't saved him. Now he just looked so sad and regretful.

". . . Are you here?" Kalin whispered. "Are you still trying to communicate, like before? Or have you really gone on this time?"

That thought was somehow even worse. If Radley was there at all, even in spirit form, it was better than him really having passed on to the afterlife.

But what was better than that was to think that Radley was just unconscious. He really didn't look dead. . . .

Kalin trembled, holding Radley close to him again. "You're alright, aren't you?" he whispered. "You're going to be alright. You're just sleeping." He gently brushed the hair away from the left side of Radley's neck. "Just sleeping. . . ."

But his voice caught in his throat. There was no breath against his skin. Radley wasn't just sleeping. And he would never want Kalin to lose his mind like that. Somehow Kalin had to keep hold of his sanity, not completely crumble as he had when he had thought he had lost Yusei.

The realization that he had to force himself to stay in reality seemed to decimate whatever was left of his ability to stay calm. He sobbed, rocking back and forth with his friend's body.

"Come back to me," he choked out. "Please . . . come back to me . . ."

He caught sight of the sword out of the corner of his eye and hatred welled in his heart again. That evil thing. Now it was spreading Radley's blood all over the stone tiles, just like in the fairy's vision. How Kalin would like to run upstairs and plunge that blade into the wretch who had done this! He was the one who deserved it!

. . . But Kalin wouldn't do it. He had already used his hatred to slam the monster into the wall. It hadn't helped Radley; he was already gone. Kalin just held him closer as the hatred gave way to a new wave of grief.

He was so still, so cold. . . . It wasn't really like holding a ragdoll; Radley was far heavier than that. But he was so silent. No cheerful smiles or sweet encouragement. There would never be any more of that.

They had just discussed "forever" yesterday. Radley had assured Kalin only death could separate them. But that was what death loved to do. It always came when it was most unwanted and cruel. And now Kalin wished it would take him too.

Only . . . he had to stay, didn't he? He had to look out for the Bunch. . . . He wanted to be with them too, and Yusei, and the kids. . . . But . . . could he even go on without Radley?

It was so strange and sometimes sad, how close people could bond in such a short amount of time. The Enforcers had all bonded like that, and now Kalin with Radley. . . . He hadn't known how to stand it without Yusei, when he thought Yusei had turned against him. Now he didn't know how to stand it without Radley after losing him to death.

"You died so I could live," he whispered. "Only . . . can I really live without you? Can I ever be truly happy again?"

How did anyone go on without their loved ones? So many people had to, and Kalin couldn't comprehend any of it. He didn't feel as strong as they were. But . . . maybe they didn't feel strong either. Maybe sometimes it was all they could do to get through another day.

Right now, Kalin didn't know how he was going to get through this day.

"You'll always be with me, even if you really aren't," Kalin whispered, gently stroking Radley's cheek with a finger. "But . . . it won't be the same. Not ever, even if you really are here in spirit."

The tears were coming again. How strange, that for so long he had rarely cried, if ever, and now he could scarcely stop. It was like a dam had burst inside of him and could no longer be held back.

. . . What was that nonsense the real Jarvis had told them at the beginning of this madness? Something about the sword being the inspiration for Snow White? That still made no sense. There weren't swords in Snow White that Kalin could recall . . . not that he was especially big on fairytales. What about this situation was anything like . . .

He stiffened. Was it possible, or was it just a foolish, heartbroken man's dream?

"Radley?!" Kalin looked into the unnaturally pale face. There was no sign of life, no indication that Radley could ever wake up again.

But . . . that was how it was for Snow White too, wasn't it? They'd even placed her in a glass coffin, certain she was dead but unable to bear burying her and being apart from her. . . .

And what had revived her was . . .

If Kalin had been in his normal state of mind he would have found this entire train of thought utterly outlandish. But he was a grieving, devastated friend and he was willing to latch on to anything that might bring his loved one back to him.

"Please," he choked out. "Please come back to me. . . ."

He leaned down, kissing Radley gently on the forehead. Would that work? Did it have to be a kiss on the lips instead? Of course he would be willing to try that too. But maybe the location wasn't as important as the feelings behind the gesture.

"Please wake up," he whispered. "Be my Snow White."

But Radley was still limp, his skin pale, the blood everywhere. Kalin's hopes swiftly began to plummet. It was too easy, too incredible. It couldn't be true. Radley couldn't come back to him this time. His nightmares had become reality. Only seconds had passed since the kiss, but it felt like an eternity.

He ran a finger down Radley's cold cheek. "I tried," he said softly. "I'm so sorry, Radley. . . ."

But in spite of his hopeless words, he wasn't ready to give up. He had to try again. Maybe if he stuck closer to the fairy tale. . . .

He leaned down to press his lips on Radley's. How odd that it wasn't even the first time he had done that, but in both cases, he had been trying to administer life. Still, even as he moved to do so now, he could feel a strange warmth growing stronger, emanating from the lifeless form.

He paused. Maybe he should wait. Maybe it was his imagination, but maybe it was working. One kiss was surely enough, if it was sincere.

No, he didn't want to take chances. He wanted to prove he would do whatever it took to get his friend back, if it was at all conceivably possible.

He kissed Radley on the lips.

At the same moment, a warm light burst from Radley's body and enveloped them both. Kalin looked up, shocked and awestruck, as the tendrils of light surrounded Radley and healed his wounds. The blood disappeared. Radley gasped, his eyes flying open. "Kalin?!"

Kalin just stared at him, disbelieving, afraid the miracle was only an illusion. He reached out, touching Radley's cheek again. Warmth was returning.

"Hey . . ." Radley smiled weakly at him. "You saved me, bro. . . ."

"I saved you," Kalin repeated, scarcely able to believe it. Radley was alive and looking up at him. It was all Kalin had wanted, all he had hoped for and dreamed of. And it still seemed too good to be true.

"I guess we know now what was meant about the fairy tale sword," Radley said. "It puts people in enchanted deaths."

Kalin hugged Radley close, shaking. He had revived Radley the same way as in the fairy tale. True love was powerful. And unlike the fairy tales, true love could be many things, not just romantic love. He whispered a prayer of awed thanks.

Radley hugged back, settling into Kalin's embrace. ". . . What happened to the fake Jarvis?" he asked when it was obvious that Kalin was still too shaken and emotional to discuss what had just happened.

"I blasted him across the castle," Kalin admitted. "Losing you amped my abilities up to 11." He relaxed, feeling Radley's sweet breath on his neck. "But I'd rather have you. I never wanted these powers in my right mind. If I can't even use them to protect, they're useless to me."

"You mean me dying caused you to get so mad and hurt that your powers overcame his amulet?" Radley said in surprise.

"Yes, exactly," Kalin said. "It actually shattered." He shook his head. "If I only could have achieved that level of power earlier. . . ."

"Hey." Radley pulled back just enough to look into Kalin's eyes. "Maybe that's just not the way it's supposed to be. People don't really have abilities like that in general. Maybe it only lingers for you because it's from your Dark Signer days. Maybe you're meant to overcome it, not give in to it."

"Maybe," Kalin said. "It's definitely not as advanced as Akiza's powers."

"It does come in handy, though," Radley said. "You stopped that guy from coming after you like he did me. But I know that would seem hollow when I was dead."

"That's an understatement," Kalin said.

"You know," Radley mused, "if you want to, there's probably some way to figure out how to use your powers the way you'd like."

"Maybe," Kalin said. "When I have them, I'd rather they could do some good instead of what they have been doing. But ultimately, I want to rely on my own strength, not some mystical thing I acquired through hate. As a Dark Signer, these powers could only be used to hurt, and it was only anger and rage that activated them, like with the Sith Lords in Star Wars. I have no reason to believe something like that could become good. It wasn't my hatred that saved you. As corny as it might sound, it was my love."

"That's not corny; it's beautiful," Radley smiled. He hugged Kalin close. "It's up to you. Whatever you wanna do. I'll be with you every step of the way."

Kalin hugged back. "I know."

"So let's go see how much damage was done to that creep and Mr. Keith and then find the others. Okay?" Radley said.

Kalin nodded. "And hopefully we'll find the rest of our answers too." He looked chagrined as he stood and reached to help Radley too. "I forgot about Mr. Keith. I hope the fake Jarvis didn't kill him. . . ."

A groan brought their attention up. Mr. Keith was stumbling out from the upstairs hallway, rubbing his head. "No, but I'm sure he would have come back to finish the job later. My wife and I are also rivals to him in what he wants with the castle, even though we would never stoop to what he and his friends are doing!" Catching sight of the wretch's body, he fell back and just stared for a moment. "I see you beat him! Well done, both of you."

"Kalin beat him," Radley said.

"Only because of my rage." Kalin walked over and picked up the sword, now free of Radley's blood. "Is he dead?"

Mr. Keith observed the man for a moment. "No, he's breathing."

Kalin walked up the stairs and hung the sword back on the wall before taking out a pair of handcuffs and pulling the would-be murderer's arms back to snap them around his wrists. "Then we'll leave him like this until the local police come," he declared. "I'd like to arrest him myself, but we don't have any authority here."

"I've got this feeling that more happened than you're saying," Mr. Keith remarked.

"You could say that," Radley agreed. But instead of elaborating, he took out his phone to check for messages from the others.

"Radley! Kalin!"

They both looked up with a start. Scotch, Biff, and Clint were running towards them in awe and joy. Scotch broke away, running at Radley and enveloping him in a tight hug. "We all felt something wrong! We thought you were gone!"

Biff and Clint came at him too. Radley laughed, hugging them all close. "Well, I'm not! I'm okay." He hesitated, then added, "Kalin saved me."

"We all prayed for you!" Scotch said. "What happened?!"

Marty's group ran onto the scene as well. "We were praying too," he said. "Then we finally found the way out and came here, like I guess you guys did too. Radley . . ." He stared at their beloved leader with reverence. "You're alive. . . ."

Kalin came back down the stairs, stunned. "All of you felt that something was wrong?"

"Yeah!" Scotch said, and everyone nodded agreement. "We just love you both so much, we all sensed it! We knew Radley was hurt and you couldn't take it! I bet everyone back home felt it too!"

Kalin drew a shaking breath. "You're right. That garbage up there, he . . . tried to impale both of us with that sword. Radley made sure I didn't get it, but . . . he couldn't save himself. . . ." His voice caught in his throat. It was too horrible to talk about.

Everyone looked to Radley in disbelieving horror. Scotch especially was staring at Radley's torso, clearly looking for the wounds or the blood. "You're walking around like that?!" he gasped. "We've gotta call an ambulance or something!"

Radley laid a hand on Scotch's shoulder. "No, no, I'm really okay," he insisted. "See? No blood!" He pulled on his shirt.

"But . . ." Scotch clearly wasn't convinced.

"Remember we were told the sword was the inspiration for Snow White?" Kalin said.

Virgil rolled his eyes. "Oh yeah."

"It's true," Radley said. "Just not in the way we were thinking." He glanced at Kalin before continuing. "It puts people in enchanted deaths."

Understanding swept over all of the Bunch.

"You looked dead?!" Scotch cried.

"But you weren't really dead," Marty realized.

"I sure looked it and felt it," Radley said. "But Kalin broke the spell."

Scotch looked to Kalin in excited awe. "With true love?! That's . . . epic!" He hugged Kalin now.

Kalin started in surprise, but slowly hugged back. "Yes, that seems to be what happened." Emotion filled his voice. "I remembered what was said about the sword and I started wondering if that could possibly be true. I had to try. And Radley was healed and woke up."

"Thank God," Marty breathed.

Radley smiled. "Now we're all together again, just like we should be. And we still have some crooks to catch. The real Jarvis is still missing, and we don't know what happened to John, or whoever he is. Let's find them and bring all the bad guys down, like we tried to do before."

"Yes!" Scotch yelled, and the others chorused agreement.

"Together," Radley said.

Everyone hugged him.

"Together," Kalin agreed.